Chapter 3: Collecting Objective Data: The Physical Examination

A client asks why gloves are being worn during the physical examination. What should the nurse respond to this client? A. "They make sure that any microorganisms on my hands do not touch your skin." B. "Since we don't know what's wrong with you, I wear gloves to make sure I don't get sick." C. "It's a policy I have to follow." D. "They help me feel your body parts under your skin better."

A. "They make sure that any microorganisms on my hands do not touch your skin."

The nurse would use what part of the hand when assessing temperature during palpation? A. Dorsal surface B. Fingerpads C. Ulnar surface D. Palmar surface

A. Dorsal surface

When assessing pulses, the nurse would use which part of the hand for palpation? A. Fingerpads B. Dorsal surface C. Ulnar surface D. Palmar surface

A. Fingerpads

A nurse needs to assess a client's range of motion in the hip joints. Which position is best to facilitate this examination? A. Prone B. Dorsal recumbent C. Supine D. Standing

A. Prone

A client with scabies visits the health care facility for a follow up appointment. Which preparation by the nurse is of greatest priority for the physical examination of this client? A. Firm examination bed or table B. Adequate lighting C. Warm comfortable room D. Quite area free of disturbance

B. Adequate lighting

While percussing an adult client during a physical examination, the nurse can expect to hear flatness over the client's A. Lungs. B. Bone. C. Abdomen. D. Liver.

B. Bone.

The nurse is assessing a client with unexplained lesions noted on the client's back. The nurse is going to palpate the area of the lesions. What type of palpation should the nurse use? A. Deep B. Light C. Moderate D. Intermediate

B. Light

The admitting nurse has just met a new patient. As the nurse introduces himself, he begins the process of inspection on this patient. What does the admitting nurse know it is important to do while observing during the process of inspection? A. Gather as much general information as possible B. Pay attention to the details while observing C. Write down as many details as possible during the observation D. Not to let the patient know he is being observed

B. Pay attention to the details while observing

Which action by a nurse demonstrates the correct application of the principles of standard precautions? A. Wearing a gown, gloves, and mask for the physical exam B. Wearing gloves when palpating the tongue, lips, & gums C. Using an antiseptic hand scrub to cleanse visibly soiled hands. D. Change gloves after each body area is examined

B. Wearing gloves when palpating the tongue, lips, & gums

Which illustrates the nurse using the technique of inspection? A. The nurse detects tympany over the patient's lower abdomen. B. The nurse notes increased warmth surrounding the patient's incision. C. The nurse detects a fruity odor of the patient's breath. D. The nurse notes a rhythmic lub-dub over the patient's anterior thorax.

C. The nurse detects a fruity odor of the patient's breath.