Chapter 31: Health Assessment and Physical Examination

During a routine physical examination of a 70-year-old patient, a blowing sound is auscultated over the carotid artery. Which assessment finding will the nurse report to the health care provider? a. Bruit b. Thrill c. Phlebitis d. Right-sided heart failure

ANS: A A bruit is the sound of turbulence of blood passing through a narrowed blood vessel and is auscultated as a blowing sound. A bruit can reflect cardiovascular disease in the carotid artery of middle-aged to older adults. Intensity or loudness is related to the rate of blood flow through the heart or the amount of blood regurgitated. A thrill is a continuous palpable sensation that resembles the purring of a cat. Jugular venous distention, not bruit, is a possible sign of right-sided heart failure. Some patients with heart disease have distended jugular veins when sitting. Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that occurs commonly after trauma to the vessel wall, infection, immobilization, and prolonged insertion of IV catheters. It affects predominantly peripheral veins.

A nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient will the nurse see first? a. An adult with an S4 heart sound b. A young adult with an S3 heart sound c. An adult with vesicular lung sounds in the lung periphery d. A young adult with bronchovesicular breath sounds between the scapula posteriorly

ANS: A A fourth heart sound (S4) occurs when the atria contract to enhance ventricular filling. An S4 is often heard in healthy older adults, children, and athletes, but it is not normal in adults. Because S4 also indicates an abnormal condition, report it to a health care provider. An S3 is considered abnormal in adults over 31 years of age but can often be heard normally in children and young adults. Vesicular lungs sounds in the periphery and bronchovesicular lung sounds in between the scapula are normal findings.

During a genitourinary examination of a 30-year-old male patient, the nurse identifies a small amount of a white, thick substance on the patient's uncircumcised glans penis. What is the nurse's next step? a. Record this as a normal finding. b. Avoid embarrassing questions about sexual activity. c. Notify the provider about a suspected sexually transmitted infection. d. Tell the patient to avoid doing self-examinations until symptoms clear.

ANS: A A small amount of thick, white smegma sometimes collects under the foreskin in the uncircumcised male and is considered normal. Penile pain or swelling, genital lesions, and urethral discharge are signs and symptoms that may indicate sexually transmitted infections (STI). All men 15 years and older need to perform a male-genital self-examination monthly. The nurse needs to assess a patient's sexual history and use of safe sex habits. Sexual history reveals risks for STI and HIV.

A nurse is conducting Weber's test. Which action will the nurse take? a. Place a vibrating tuning fork in the middle of patient's forehead. b. Place a vibrating tuning fork on the patient's mastoid process. c. Compare the number of seconds heard by bone versus air conduction. d. Compare the patient's degree of joint movement to the normal level.

ANS: A During Weber's test (lateralization of sound), the nurse places the vibrating tuning fork in the middle of the patient's forehead. During a Rinne test (comparison of air and bone conduction), the nurse places a vibrating tuning fork on the patient's mastoid process and compares the length of time air and bone conduction is heard. Comparing the patient's degree of joint movement to the normal level is a test for range of motion.

The nurse is preparing for a rectal examination of a nonambulatory male patient. In which position will the nurse place the patient? a. Sims' b. Knee-chest c. Dorsal recumbent d. Forward bending with flexed hips

ANS: A Nonambulatory patients are best examined in a side-lying Sims' position. Forward bending would require the patient to be able to stand upright. Knees to chest would be difficult to maintain in a nonambulatory male and is embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dorsal recumbent does not provide adequate access for a rectal examination and is used for abdominal assessment because it promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles.

A nurse identifies lice during a child's scalp assessment. The nurse teaches the parents about hair care. Which information from the parents indicates the nurse needs to follow up? a. We will use lindane-based shampoos. b. We will use the sink to wash hair. c. We will use a fine-toothed comb. d. We will use a vinegar hair rinse.

ANS: A Products containing lindane, a toxic ingredient, often cause adverse reactions; the nurse will need to follow up to correct the misconception. All the rest are correct. Instruct parents who have children with head lice to shampoo thoroughly with pediculicide (shampoo available at drugstores) in cold water at a basin or sink, comb thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb, and discard the comb. A dilute solution of vinegar and water helps loosen nits.

The patient is a 45-year-old African-American male who has come in for a routine annual physical. Which type of preventive screening does the nurse discuss with the patient? a. Digital rectal examination of the prostate b. Complete eye examination every year c. CA 125 blood test once a year d. Colonoscopy every 3 years

ANS: A Recommended preventive screenings include a digital rectal examination of the prostate and prostate-specific antigen test starting at age 50. CA 125 blood tests are indicated for women at high risk for ovarian cancer. Patients over the age of 65 need to have complete eye examinations yearly. Colonoscopy every 10 years is recommended in patients 50 years of age and older.

A parent calls the school nurse with questions regarding the recent school vision screening. Snellen chart examination revealed 20/60 for both eyes. Which response by the nurse is the best regarding the eye examination results? a. Your child needs to see an ophthalmologist. b. Your child is suffering from strabismus. c. Your child may have presbyopia. d. Your child has cataracts.

ANS: A The child needs an eye examination with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Normal vision is 20/20. The larger the denominator, the poorer the patient's visual acuity. For example, a value of 20/60 means that the patient, when standing 20 feet away, can read a line that a person with normal vision can read from 60 feet away. Strabismus is a (congenital) condition in which both eyes do not focus on an object simultaneously: The eyes appear crossed. Acuity may not be affected; Snellen test does not test for strabismus. Presbyopia is impaired near vision that occurs in middle-aged and older adults and is caused by loss of elasticity of the lens. Cataracts, a clouding of the lens, develop slowly and progressively after age 35 or suddenly after trauma.

A male student comes to the college health clinic. He hesitantly describes that he found something wrong with his testis when taking a shower. Which assessment finding will alert the nurse to possible testicular cancer? a. Hard, pea-sized testicular lump b. Rubbery texture of testes c. Painful enlarged testis d. Prolonged diuretic use

ANS: A The most common symptoms of testicular cancer are a painless enlargement of one testis and the appearance of a palpable, small, hard lump, about the size of a pea, on the front or side of the testicle. Normally, the testes feel smooth, rubbery, and free of nodules. Use of diuretics, sedatives, or antihypertensives can lead to erection or ejaculation problems.

A febrile preschool-aged child presents to the after-hours clinic. Varicella (chickenpox) is diagnosed on the basis of the illness history and the presence of small, circumscribed skin lesions filled with serous fluid. Which type of skin lesion will the nurse report? a. Vesicles b. Wheals c. Papules d. Pustules

ANS: A Vesicles are circumscribed, elevated skin lesions filled with serous fluid that measure less than 1 cm. Wheals are irregularly shaped, elevated areas of superficial localized edema that vary in size. They are common with mosquito bites and hives. Papules are palpable, circumscribed, solid elevations in the skin that are smaller than 1 cm. Pustules are elevations of skin similar to vesicles, but they are filled with pus and vary in size like acne.

A nurse is assessing several patients. Which assessment findings will cause the nurse to follow up? (Select all that apply.) a. Orthopnea b. Nonpalpable lymph nodes c. Pleural friction rub present d. Crackles in lower lung lobes e. Grade 5 muscle function level f. A 160-degree angle between nail plate and nail

ANS: A, C, D Abnormal findings will cause a nurse to follow up. Orthopnea is abnormal and indicates cardiovascular or respiratory problems. Pleural friction rub is abnormal and indicated an inflamed pleura. Crackles are adventitious breath sounds and indicate random, sudden reinflation of groups of alveoli, indicating disruptive passage of air through small airways. Lymph nodes should be nonpalpable; palpable lymph nodes are abnormal. Grade 5 muscle function is normal. A 160-degree angle between nail plate and nail is normal; a larger degree angle is abnormal and indicates clubbing.

A nurse is assessing a patient's cranial nerve IX. Which items does the nurse gather before conducting the assessment? (Select all that apply.) a. Vial of sugar b. Snellen chart c. Tongue blade d. Ophthalmoscope e. Lemon applicator

ANS: A, C, E Cranial nerve IX is the glossopharyngeal, which controls taste and ability to swallow. The nurse asks the patient to identify sour (lemon) or sweet (sugar) tastes on the back of the tongue and uses a tongue blade to elicit a gag reflex. Ophthalmoscopes are used for vision. A Snellen chart is used to test cranial nerve II (optic).

A teen patient is tearful and reports locating lumps in her breasts. Other history obtained is that she is currently menstruating. Physical examination reveals soft and movable cysts in both breasts that are painful to palpation. The nurse also notes that the patient's nipples are erect, but the areola is wrinkled. Which action will the nurse take after talking with the health care provider? a. Reassure patient that her symptoms are normal. b. Discuss the possibility of fibrocystic disease as the probable cause. c. Consult a breast surgeon because of the abnormal nipples and areola. d. Tell the patient that the symptoms may get worse when her period ends.

ANS: B A common benign condition of the breast is benign (fibrocystic) breast disease. This patient has symptoms of fibrocystic disease, which include bilateral lumpy, painful breasts sometimes accompanied by nipple discharge. Symptoms are more apparent during the menstrual period. When palpated, the cysts (lumps) are soft, well differentiated, and movable. Deep cysts feel hard. Although a common condition, benign breast disease is not normal; therefore, the nurse does not tell the patient that this is a normal finding. During examination of the nipples and areolae, the nipple sometimes becomes erect with wrinkling of the areola. Therefore, consulting a breast surgeon to treat her nipples and areolae is not appropriate.

A teen female patient reports intermittent abdominal pain for 12 hours. No dysuria is present. Which action will the nurse take when performing an abdominal assessment? a. Assess the area that is most tender first. b. Ask the patient about the color of her stools. c. Recommend that the patient take more laxatives. d. Avoid sexual references such as possible pregnancy.

ANS: B Abdominal pain can be related to bowels. If stools are black or tarry (melena), this may indicate gastrointestinal alteration. The nurse should caution patients about the dangers of excessive use of laxatives or enemas. There is not enough information about the abdominal pain to recommend laxatives. Determine if the patient is pregnant, and note her last menstrual period. Pregnancy causes changes in abdominal shape and contour. Assess painful areas last to minimize discomfort and anxiety.

A nurse is performing a mental status examination and asks an adult patient what the statement "Don't cry over spilled milk" means. Which area is the nurse assessing? a. Long-term memory b. Abstract thinking c. Recent memory d. Knowledge

ANS: B For an individual to explain common phrases such as "A stitch in time saves nine" or "Don't cry over spilled milk" requires a higher level of intellectual function or abstract thinking. Knowledge-based assessment is factual. Assess knowledge by asking how much the patient knows about the illness or the reason for seeking health care. To assess past (long-term) memory, ask the patient to recall the maiden name of the patient's mother, a birthday, or a special date in history. It is best to ask open-ended questions rather than simple yes/no questions. Patients demonstrate immediate recall (recent memory) by repeating a series of numbers in the order in which they are presented or in reverse order.

The nurse is assessing an adult patient's patellar reflex. Which finding will the nurse record as normal? a. 1+ b. 2+ c. 3+ d. 4+

ANS: B Grade reflexes as follows: 0: No response; 1+: Sluggish or diminished; 2+: Active or expected response; 3+: More brisk than expected, slightly hyperactive; and 4+: Brisk and hyperactive with intermittent or transient clonus.

The nurse is examining a female with vaginal discharge. Which position will the nurse place the patient for proper examination? a. Sitting b. Lithotomy c. Knee-chest d. Dorsal recumbent

ANS: B Lithotomy is the position for examination of female genitalia. The lithotomy position provides for the maximum exposure of genitalia and allows the insertion of a vaginal speculum. Sitting does not allow adequate access for speculum insertion and is better used to visualize upper body parts. Dorsal recumbent is used to examine the head and neck, anterior thorax and lungs, breasts, axillae, heart, and abdomen. Knee-chest provides maximal exposure of the rectal area but is embarrassing and uncomfortable.

A nurse is a preceptor for a nurse who just graduated from nursing school. When caring for a patient, the new graduate nurse begins to explain to the patient the purpose of completing a physical assessment. Which statement made by the new graduate nurse requires the preceptor to intervene? a. "I will use the information from my assessment to figure out if your antihypertensive medication is working effectively." b. "Nursing assessment data are used only to provide information about the effectiveness of your medical care." c. "Nurses use data from their patient's physical assessment to determine a patient's educational needs." d. "Information gained from physical assessment helps nurses better understand their patients' emotional needs."

ANS: B Nursing assessment data are used to evaluate the effectiveness of all aspects of a patient's care, not just the patient's medical care. Assessment data help to evaluate the effectiveness of medications and to determine a patient's health care needs, including the need for patient education. Nurses also use assessment data to identify patients' psychosocial and cultural needs.

An older-adult patient is taking aminoglycoside for a severe infection. Which assessment is the priority? a. Eyes b. Ears c. Skin d. Reflexes

ANS: B Older adults are especially at risk for hearing loss caused by ototoxicity (injury to auditory nerve) resulting from high maintenance doses of antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides). While eyes and skin are important, they are not the priority. Reflexes are expected to be diminished in older adults.

An older-adult patient is being seen for chronic entropion. Which condition will the nurse assess for in this patient? a. Ptosis b. Infection c. Borborygmi d. Exophthalmos

ANS: B The diagnosis of entropion can lead to lashes of the lids irritating the conjunctiva and cornea. Irritation can lead to infection. Exophthalmos is a bulging of the eyes and usually indicates hyperthyroidism. An abnormal drooping of the lid over the pupil is called ptosis. In the older adult, ptosis results from a loss of elasticity that accompanies aging. Hyperactive sounds are loud, "growling" sounds called borborygmi, which indicate increased GI motility.

While assessing the skin of an 82-year-old patient, a nurse discovers nonpainful, ruby red papules on the patient's trunk. What is the nurse's next action? a. Explain that the patient has basal cell carcinoma and should watch for spread. b. Document cherry angiomas as a normal older adult skin finding. c. Tell the patient that this is a benign squamous cell carcinoma. d. Record the presence of petechiae.

ANS: B The skin is normally free of lesions, except for common freckles or age-related changes such as skin tags, senile keratosis (thickening of skin), cherry angiomas (ruby red papules), and atrophic warts. Basal cell carcinoma is most common in sun-exposed areas and frequently occurs in a background of sun-damaged skin; it almost never spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is more serious than basal cell and develops on the outer layers of sun-exposed skin; these cells may travel to lymph nodes and throughout the body. Report abnormal lesions to the health care provider for further examination. Petechiae are nonblanching, pinpoint-size, red or purple spots on the skin caused by small hemorrhages in the skin layers

The nurse completed assessments on several patients. Which assessment finding will the nurse record as normal? a. Pulse strength 3 b. 1+ pitting edema c. Constricting pupils when directly illuminated d. Hyperactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants

ANS: C A normal finding is pupils constricting when directly illuminated with a penlight. A pulse strength of 3 indicates a full or increased pulse; 2 is normal. 1+ pitting edema is abnormal; there should be no edema for a normal finding. Hyperactive bowel sounds are abnormal and indicate increased GI motility; normal bowel sounds are active

The paramedics transport an adult involved in a motor vehicle accident to the emergency department. On physical examination, the patient's level of consciousness is reported as opening eyes to pain and responding with inappropriate words and flexion withdrawal to painful stimuli. Which value will the nurse report for the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score? a. 5 b. 7 c. 9 d. 11

ANS: C According to the guidelines of the Glasgow Coma Scale, the patient has a score of 9. Opening eyes to pain is 2 points; inappropriate word use is 3 points; and flexion withdrawal is 4 points. The total for this patient is 2 + 3 + 4 = 9

The nurse considers several new female patients to receive additional teaching on the need for more frequent Pap test and gynecological examinations. Which assessment findings reveal the patient at highest risk for cervical cancer and having the greatest need for patient education? a. 13 years old, nonsmoker, not sexually active b. 15 years old, social smoker, celibate c. 22 years old, smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day, has multiple sexual partners d. 50 years old, stopped smoking 30 years ago, has history of multiple pregnancies

ANS: C Females considered to be at higher risk include those who smoke, have multiple sex partners, and have a history of sexually transmitted infections. Of all the assessment findings listed, the 22-year-old smoker with multiple sexual partners has the greatest number of risk factors for cervical cancer. The other patients are at lower risk: not sexually active, celibate, and do not smoke.

During a sexually transmitted illness presentation to high-school students, the nurse recommends the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series. Which condition is the nurse trying to prevent? a. Breast cancer b. Ovarian cancer c. Cervical cancer d. Testicular cancer

ANS: C Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases the person's risk for cervical cancer. HPV vaccine is recommended for females aged 11 to 12 years but can be given to females ages 12 through 26; males can also receive the vaccine. HPV is not a risk factor for breast, ovarian, and testicular cancer.

During a school physical examination, the nurse reviews the patient's current medical history. The nurse discovers the patient has allergies. Which assessment finding is consistent with allergies? a. Clubbing b. Yellow discharge c. Pale nasal mucosa d. Puffiness of nasal mucosa

ANS: C Pale nasal mucosa with clear discharge indicates allergy. Clubbing is due to insufficient oxygenation at the periphery resulting from conditions such as chronic emphysema and congenital heart disease; it is noted in the nails. A sinus infection results in yellowish or greenish discharge. Habitual use of intranasal cocaine and opioids causes puffiness and increased vascularity of the nasal mucosa.

An advanced practice nurse is preparing to assess the external genitalia of a 25-year-old American woman of Chinese descent. Which action will the nurse do first? a. Place the patient in the lithotomy position. b. Drape the patient to enhance patient comfort. c. Assess the patient's feelings about the examination. d. Ask the patient if she would like her mother to be present in the room.

ANS: C Patients who are Chinese American often believe that examination of the external genitalia is offensive. Before proceeding with the examination, the nurse first determines how the patient feels about the procedure and explains the procedure to answer any questions and to help the patient feel comfortable with the assessment. Once the patient is ready to have her external genitalia examined, the nurse places the patient in the lithotomy position and drapes the patient appropriately. Typically, nurses ask adolescents if they want a parent present during the examination. The patient in this question is 25 years old; asking if she would like her mother to be present is inappropriate.

A nurse is preparing to perform a complete physical examination on a weak, older-adult patient with bilateral basilar pneumonia. Which position will the nurse use? a. Prone b. Sims' c. Supine d. Lateral recumbent

ANS: C Supine is the most normally relaxed position. If the patient becomes short of breath easily, raise the head of the bed. Supine position would be easiest for a weak, older-adult person during the examination. Lateral recumbent and prone positions cause respiratory difficulty for any patient with respiratory difficulties. Sims' position is used for assessment of the rectum and the vagina.

A nurse is auscultating different areas on an adult patient. Which technique should the nurse use during an assessment? a. Uses the bell to listen for lung sounds b. Uses the diaphragm to listen for bruits c. Uses the diaphragm to listen for bowel sounds d. Uses the bell to listen for high-pitched murmurs

ANS: C The bell is best for hearing low-pitched sounds such as vascular (bruits) and certain heart sounds (low-pitched murmurs), and the diaphragm is best for listening to high-pitched sounds such as bowel and lung sounds and high-pitched murmurs.

The patient has had a stroke that has affected the ability to speak. The patient becomes extremely frustrated when trying to speak. The patient responds correctly to questions and instructions but cannot form words coherently. Which type of aphasia is the patient experiencing? a. Sensory b. Receptive c. Expressive d. Combination

ANS: C The two types of aphasias are sensory (or receptive) and motor (or expressive). The patient cannot form words coherently, indicating expressive or motor aphasia is present. The patient responds correctly to questions and instructions, indicating receptive or sensory aphasia is not present. Patients sometimes suffer a combination of receptive and expressive aphasia, but this is not the case here.

On admission, a patient weighs 250 pounds. The weight is recorded as 256 pounds on the second inpatient day. Which condition will the nurse assess for in this patient? a. Anorexia b. Weight loss c. Fluid retention d. Increased nutritional intake

ANS: C This patient has gained 6 pounds in a 24-hour period. A weight gain of 5 pounds (2.3 kg) or more in a day indicates fluid retention problems, not nutritional intake. A weight loss is considered significant if the patient has lost more than 5% of body weight in a month or 10% in 6 months. A downward trend may indicate a reduction in nutritional reserves that may be caused by decreased intake such as anorexia.

The nurse is assessing skin turgor. Which technique will the nurse use? a. Press lightly on the forearm. b. Press lightly on the fingertips. c. Grasp a fold of skin on the sternal area. d. Grasp a fold of skin on the back of the hand.

ANS: C To assess skin turgor, grasp a fold of skin on the back of the forearm or sternal area with the fingertips and release. Since the skin on the back of the hand is normally loose and thin, turgor is not reliably assessed at that site. Pressing lightly on the forearm can be used to assess for pitting edema or pain or sense of touch. Pressing lightly on the fingertips and observing nail color is assessing capillary refill.

The nurse is assessing the tympanic membranes of an infant. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique? a. Pulls the auricle upward and backward. b. Holds handle of the otoscope between the thumb and little finger. c. Uses an inverted otoscope grip while pulling the auricle downward and back. d. Places the handle of the otoscope between the thumb and index finger while pulling the auricle upward

ANS: C Using the inverted otoscope grip while pulling the auricle downward and back is a common approach with infant/child examinations because it prevents accidental movement of the otoscope deeper into the ear canal, as could occur with an unexpected pediatric reaction to the ear examination. The other techniques could result in injury to the infant's tympanic membrane. Insert the scope while pulling the auricle upward and backward in the adult and older child. Hold the handle of the otoscope in the space between the thumb and index finger, supported on the middle finger.

The patient presents to the clinic with dysuria and hematuria. How does the nurse proceed to assess for kidney inflammation? a. Uses deep palpation posteriorly. b. Lightly palpates each abdominal quadrant. c. Percusses posteriorly the costovertebral angle at the scapular line. d. Inspects abdomen for abnormal movement or shadows using indirect lighting

ANS: C With the patient sitting or standing erect, use direct or indirect percussion to assess for kidney inflammation. With the ulnar surface of the partially closed fist, percuss posteriorly the costovertebral angle at the scapular line. If the kidneys are inflamed, the patient feels tenderness during percussion. Use a systematic palpation approach for each quadrant of the abdomen to assess for muscular resistance, distention, abdominal tenderness, and superficial organs or masses. Light palpation would not detect kidney tenderness because the kidneys sit deep within the abdominal cavity. Posteriorly, the lower ribs and heavy back muscles protect the kidneys, so they cannot be palpated. Kidney inflammation will not cause abdominal movement. However, to inspect the abdomen for abnormal movement or shadows, the nurse should stand on the patient's right side and inspect from above the abdomen using direct light over the abdomen.

Having misplaced a stethoscope, a nurse borrows a colleague's stethoscope. The nurse next enters the patient's room and identifies self, washes hands with soap, and states the purpose of the visit. The nurse performs proper identification of the patient before auscultating the patient's lungs. Which critical health assessment step should the nurse have performed? a. Running warm water over stethoscope b. Draping stethoscope around the neck c. Rubbing stethoscope with betadine d. Cleaning stethoscope with alcohol

ANS: D Bacteria and viruses can be transferred from patient to patient when a stethoscope that is not clean is used. The stethoscope should be cleaned before use on each patient with isopropyl alcohol. Running water over the stethoscope does not kill bacteria. Betadine is an inappropriate cleaning solution and may damage the equipment. Draping the stethoscope around the neck is not advised.

During a routine pediatric history and physical, the parents report that their child was a very small, premature infant that had to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit longer than usual. They state that the infant was yellow when born and developed an infection that required "every antibiotic under the sun" to reach a cure. Which exam is a priority for the nurse to conduct on the child? a. Cardiac b. Respiratory c. Ophthalmic d. Hearing acuity

ANS: D Hearing is the priority. Risk factors for hearing problems include low birth weight, nonbacterial intrauterine infection, and excessively high bilirubin levels. Hearing loss due to ototoxicity (injury to auditory nerves) can result from high maintenance doses of antibiotics. Cardiac, respiratory, and eye examinations are important assessments but are not relevant to this child's condition.

The nurse is urgently called to the gymnasium regarding an injured student. The student is crying in severe pain with a malformed fractured lower leg. Which proper sequence will the nurse follow to perform the initial assessment? a. Light palpation, deep palpation, and inspection b. Inspection, light palpation, and deep palpation c. Auscultation and light palpation d. Inspection and light palpation

ANS: D Inspection is the use of vision and hearing to distinguish normal from abnormal findings. Light palpation determines areas of tenderness and skin temperature, moisture, and texture. Deep palpation is used to examine the condition of organs, such as those in the abdomen. Caution is the rule with deep palpation. Deep palpation is performed after light palpation; however, deep palpation is not performed on a fractured leg. Auscultation is used to evaluate sound and is not used to assess a fractured leg.

A school nurse recognizes a belt buckle-shaped ecchymosis on a 7-year-old student. When privately asked about how the injury occurred, the student described falling on the playground. Which action will the nurse take next? a. Talk to the principal about how to proceed. b. Disregard the finding based upon child's response. c. Interview the patient in the presence of the teacher. d. Contact social services and report suspected abuse.

ANS: D Most states mandate a report to a social service center if nurses suspect abuse or neglect. When abuse is suspected, the nurse interviews the patient in private, not with a teacher. Observe the behavior of the individual for any signs of frustration, explanations that do not fit his or her physical presentation, or signs of injury. The nurse knows how to proceed and does not need to talk to the principal about what to do. Disregarding the finding is not advised because victims often will not complain or report that they are in an abusive situation.

A patient in the emergency department is reporting left lower abdominal pain. Which proper order will the nurse follow to perform the comprehensive abdominal examination? a. Percussion, palpation, auscultation b. Percussion, auscultation, palpation c. Inspection, palpation, auscultation d. Inspection, auscultation, palpation

ANS: D The order of an abdominal examination differs slightly from that of other assessments. Begin with inspection and follow with auscultation. By using auscultation before palpation, the chance of altering the frequency and character of bowel sounds is lessened.

A head and neck physical examination is completed on a 50-year-old female patient. All physical findings are normal except for fine brittle hair. Which laboratory test will the nurse expect to be ordered, based upon the physical findings? a. Oxygen saturation b. Liver function test c. Carbon monoxide d. Thyroid-stimulating hormone test

ANS: D Thyroid disease can make hair thin and brittle. Liver function testing is indicated for a patient who has jaundice. Oxygen saturation will be used for cyanosis. Cherry-colored lips indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.

Upon assessment, the patient is breathing normally and has normal vesicular lung sounds. Which expected inspiratory-to-expiratory breath sounds will the nurse hear? a. The expiration phase is longer than the inspiration phase. b. The inspiratory phase lasts exactly as long as the expiratory phase. c. The expiration phase is 2 times longer than the inspiration phase. d. The inspiratory phase is 3 times longer than the expiratory phase.

ANS: D Vesicular breath sounds are normal breath sounds; the inspiratory phase is 3 times longer than the expiratory phase. Bronchovesicular breath sounds have an inspiratory phase equal to the expiratory phase. Bronchial breath sounds have an expiration phase longer than the inspiration phase at a 3:2 ratio.