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.