The nurse is assessing a hospitalized patient after complaints of sudden abdominal pain. Which of the following abdominal assessment findings should be reported to the physician immediately?

Explanation

• Pulsation between the pubis and umbilicus indicates an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is a medical emergency and should be reported to the physician immediately.

• 20 bowel sounds per minute is a normal finding.

• LLQ firm to palpation may be due to feces in the colon.

• Nausea does not have to be reported to the physician.

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