When assessing a patient's abdomen, which sequence should the nurse use?

Correct answer: A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation

  • A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
  • B. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
  • C. Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation
  • D. Percussion, palpation, auscultation, inspection

Explanation

The abdomen is inspected first, then auscultated before percussion and palpation. Touching the abdomen earlier can alter bowel sounds and may increase guarding or discomfort.

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Covers nursing care for peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It includes nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management, abdominal assessment, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which must be distinguished from other causes of altered consciousness.

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