CMS E-learning modules week 8-12

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Questions and Answers

What is the rationale behind auscultating in all four quadrants of the abdomen when listening for bowel sounds?

Normoactive sounds are detected in the right lower quadrants, but tend to become hypoactive in the lower left quadrant.
The majority of medical schools continue to teach abdominal auscultation in all four quadrants. (correct)
Absent bowel sounds are an important diagnostic finding for peritonitis, which is an emergent condition.
The research has found significant differences in sounds in different areas of the abdomen.

Which of the following is not a method for relaxing the patient’s abdominal muscles prior to or during deep palpation of the abdomen?

Ensuring the clinician’s hands are warm.
Having the patient’s arms at their sides.
Encouraging the patient to breathe deeply. (correct)
Having the clinician’s knees bent.

Which of the following is correct when assessing the size of a patient’s liver?

Liver span on the midclavicular line is 4-8 cm.
The lower edge of a healthy liver is typically palpated on the midclavicular line below the level of the umbilicus.
The third intercostal space is typically dull when percussed in a healthy liver.
A healthy liver may not be palpable upon patient inspiration if it doesn’t extend beyond the costal margin. (correct)

A patient presents with abdominal pain. Upon observation, you notice a distended abdomen with bulging flanks. Which of the following would be the most correct physical exam technique to help you determine if this patient has ascites?

Percussing the center of the abdomen to the flank until dullness is heard, then have the patient roll onto their side and percuss again at that same location. (D) Signup and view all the answers