Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

In what order should a nurse perform an abdominal assessment on a child?

1. Inspection, Deep palpation, Superficial palpation, Auscultation

2. Inspection, Auscultation, Superficial palpation, Deep palpation

3. Superficial palpation, Inspection, Auscultation, Deep palpation

4. Auscultation, Inspection, Deep palpation, Superficial palpation

The correct answer is: Inspection, Auscultation, Superficial palpation, Deep palpation

The correct order for performing an abdominal assessment on a child begins with inspection, followed by auscultation, and then moves to superficial palpation and deep palpation. This sequence is crucial for gathering accurate information about the child’s abdominal condition. Starting with inspection allows the nurse to observe any visible abnormalities such as distention, discoloration, or unusual movements. Following inspection with auscultation is vital because it enables the healthcare provider to listen to bowel sounds in a relatively quiet setting before any manipulation of the abdomen occurs. Any pressure or movement during palpation could alter the sounds heard, potentially leading to either missed findings or falsely interpreted normal findings. After auscultation, superficial palpation assesses tenderness and surface features without causing much discomfort, preparing the child for deeper examination. Finally, deep palpation is conducted to evaluate the underlying organs and structures more thoroughly, as it may cause more discomfort or pain, and thus should be performed last to minimize distress. This structure is particularly important in pediatric care, where reassurance and comfort are key to successful assessments.