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Abdominal Assessment Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the purpose of asking a client to empty their bladder before an abdominal assessment?✔✔ To allow more accurate palpation of abdominal organs
What position helps relax the abdominal muscles during assessment?✔✔ Supine with knees slightly bent
Why does the nurse observe the client’s facial expressions during palpation?✔✔ To identify areas of pain or discomfort
What should the nurse do first when beginning an abdominal exam?✔✔ Inspect the contour and symmetry of the abdomen
What finding is considered normal when inspecting the abdomen?✔✔ Skin is smooth, flat, and symmetrical with no visible pulsations
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What might a visible pulsation in the midline of the abdomen suggest?✔✔ Abdominal aortic aneurysm
What sound is typically heard over hollow organs during percussion?✔✔ Tympany
What sound heard during percussion suggests the presence of fluid or a mass?✔✔ Dullness
What causes hypoactive bowel sounds?✔✔ Post-surgical status or bowel obstruction
What are normal bowel sounds described as?✔✔ Irregular, high-pitched gurgles occurring every 5 to 15 seconds
How long must the nurse listen before confirming absent bowel sounds?✔✔ At least 5 minutes in each quadrant
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