a nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a client what action should the nurse take first
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored

1. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a seizure. What should the nurse do immediately after the seizure?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a client experiences a seizure, the nurse should immediately turn the client on their side. This action helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration, as it allows any secretions or vomitus to drain from the mouth. Administering oxygen can be necessary if the client is hypoxic, but turning the client on their side takes precedence to prevent complications. While documenting the seizure activity is important for the client's medical record, ensuring the client's immediate safety by positioning them correctly is the priority. Reassuring the client should follow after ensuring their physical safety.

3. A healthcare professional is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. What finding should the healthcare professional expect?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils is a sign of increased respiratory effort, which is common in clients with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not expected in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Flushing of the skin is not a typical finding associated with COPD or dyspnea. While a productive cough can be seen in COPD, it is not specifically related to the increased respiratory effort seen with dyspnea.

4. A healthcare professional is planning to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. What muscle should the healthcare professional choose to avoid injury?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ventrogluteal muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections to avoid injury. Choosing the ventrogluteal site reduces the risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels, unlike the deltoid, rectus femoris, or dorsogluteal sites. The deltoid muscle is commonly used for vaccines but has a higher risk of injury due to its proximity to the radial nerve. The rectus femoris muscle is not recommended for intramuscular injections due to its location and the risk of injury. The dorsogluteal site is also not recommended as it poses a risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery.

5. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion (Choice B) as the signs described suggest phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice A) can exacerbate the condition by increasing the irritation. Elevating the limb (Choice C) and applying a cold compress (Choice D) are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Elevation and cold therapy are more suitable for conditions like swelling or inflammation, but in this case, discontinuing the infusion is the priority to prevent further complications.

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