Question

a nurse plans to perform an abdominal assessment on a client who reports lower right quadrant pain. move the steps of assessment to the right, placing them in order of performance. all steps must be used.

1. assist client to a supine position
2. instruct client to point to tender areas
3. inspect
4. auscultate
5. place pillow beneath clients knees
6. ask client to void

Explanation:

First, ask the client to void to empty the bladder which can interfere with the assessment. Then, assist the client to a supine position and place a pillow beneath the knees for comfort and relaxation of abdominal muscles. Next, instruct the client to point to tender areas to localize the pain. After that, start the physical assessment with inspection followed by auscultation as palpation and percussion can alter bowel sounds.

Answer:

1. Ask client to void
2. Assist client to a supine position
3. Place pillow beneath client's knees
4. Instruct client to point to tender areas
5. Inspect
6. Auscultate