What technique does a nurse use when performing deep palpation of a patient's abdomen?
A) Places the left hand under the ribs to lift them up
B) Asks the patient to breathe slowly through the mouth
C) Positions the patient on the right side with knees flexed
D) Uses the heel of the hand to depress the abdomen

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to breathe slowly through the mouth while the nurse uses the pads of the fingers to depress the abdomen is the correct procedure. Placing the left hand under the ribs to lift them up is the technique for palpating the liver. Positioning the patient on the right side with knees flexed is an alternate strategy for palpating the spleen. Using the heel of the hand to depress the abdomen is not a correct technique; the pads of the fingers are used.

What Technique Does a Nurse Use When Performing Deep Palpation