2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
When performing an abdominal assessment, what is the correct order of the tasks?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In an abdominal assessment, the correct order is to inspect, auscultate, percuss, and then palpate.
**Inspect first** to observe any abnormalities visually. **Auscultation** follows because it allows for the assessment of bowel sounds without interference from palpation or percussion, which can alter the sounds. **Percussion** is done next to assess the underlying structures and fluid levels, and finally, **palpation** is performed to evaluate tenderness or masses, as it can provoke movement and change in sounds.
Options A, B, and D misplace auscultation and percussion, which could lead to inaccurate findings due to interference.