An 85-year-old client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit from a skilled nursing facility with generalized weakness and a suspected systemic infection. During the initial evaluation, which action by the registered nurse indicates proper adherence to health assessment standards?
- Using light pressure with the bell of the stethoscope over the apical area to detect low-frequency sounds such as an S3 gallop.Cevap
- BPalpating the abdominal quadrants to identify areas of tenderness and distention prior to evaluating intestinal motility with a stethoscope.
- CInterpreting the client's sudden change in mental status and disorientation as a normal consequence of the advanced aging process.
- DDirecting the unlicensed assistive personnel to conduct the baseline Braden Scale evaluation to identify potential pressure injuries.
Cevap
The nurse correctly demonstrates proper assessment technique by applying the bell of the stethoscope with light pressure to listen for low-frequency cardiovascular sounds.
Using the bell of the stethoscope with light pressure is the correct technique for detecting low-frequency (low-pitched) cardiovascular sounds, such as an S3 gallop, S4, or vascular bruits. If the bell is pressed too firmly against the skin, the underlying tissue is stretched and acts as a diaphragm, which obliterates low-pitched sounds and emphasizes high-pitched sounds.
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Anahtar Kavram
Comprehensive physical assessment requires the correct application of instrument mechanics, adherence to body system-specific procedural sequences, accurate interpretation of findings across the lifespan, and appropriate delegation.