Practice Question
The nurse is preparing to palpate a patient's abdomen. The nurse will begin palpating the abdomen for surface characteristics and tenderrfess. This will best be achieved by:
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Palpating with both hands and pressing down 1/2 inch
Rationale:
💥Light palpation is performed first during an abdominal assessment to evaluate surface characteristics, temperature, and tenderness.
💥The nurse uses one hand and presses down about 1/2 inch (1 cm) in a gentle, circular motion.
💥This technique helps detect skin texture, superficial masses, guarding, or areas of discomfort without causing deep pain or stimulating peristalsis.
💥Deeper palpation (using both hands and pressing 1.5–2 inches) is reserved for assessing organ size, masses, or deeper structures but is not the initial step.
💥Starting with light palpation ensures patient comfort, safety, and accurate assessment of superficial findings.
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This question is from Final Exam A1 FA25 which contains 50 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Health Assessment
- Answer Choices: 4