The nurse is preparing a client for an abdominal examination. What sho

The nurse is preparing a client for an abdominal examination. What should the nurse done before beginning the examination?

1. Ask the client to urinate.
2. Ask the client to drink 8 ounces of water.
3. Assess vital signs.
4. Assess heart rate.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The nurse should ask the client to urinate because an empty bladder makes the assessment more comfortable.
Rationale 2: Drinking fluids will cause the client’s bladder to fill and cause discomfort.
Rationale 3: The client’s vital signs do not need to be assessed prior to an abdominal examination.
Rationale 4: The client does not need to have an apical heart rate assessed prior to having an abdominal assessment.