In preparing to conduct a physical examination on a client, the nurse

In preparing to conduct a physical examination on a client, the nurse plans to:

1. Perform painful procedures at the end of the exam
2. Take long, detailed notes of all the findings during the exam
3. Keep the TV or radio on to distract the client throughout the exam
4. Assess the dominant side of the client’s body only in the examination

ANSWER

ANS: 1
In organizing a physical examination, the nurse should perform painful procedures near the end of the examination. The nurse should record quick notes during the examination to avoid keeping the client waiting. Observations can be completed at the end of the examination. The TV or radio should be turned off so as to not distract the client throughout the examination, and to provide an environment conducive to auscultation.
Both sides of the body should be assessed for comparison to determine symmetry. A degree of asymmetry is normal in the dominant versus nondominant arm.