What is the primary reason for performing light palpation before deep palpation during an abdominal examination?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To accustom the patient to being touched. This is because starting with light palpation helps the patient to relax and become accustomed to the examiner's touch, reducing discomfort and anxiety. This approach also allows the examiner to gradually assess for tenderness, muscle tone, and superficial masses before moving on to deep palpation to evaluate deeper structures. Incorrect answers: A: To assess for organ size - This is incorrect because assessing organ size is typically done through techniques such as percussion or imaging studies, not palpation. C: To detect deep masses - This is incorrect because deep masses are typically assessed during deep palpation, not light palpation. D: To check for rebound tenderness - This is incorrect because rebound tenderness is a specific test for peritoneal irritation, which is typically assessed after palpation, not before.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pallor. Anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, leading to decreased oxygen supply to tissues. Pallor, or paleness of the skin, is a common physical finding in anemic patients due to reduced hemoglobin levels. Flushed skin (choice A) is more indicative of fever or increased blood flow. Cyanosis (choice B) occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, not necessarily related to anemia. Jaundice (choice D) is associated with liver dysfunction, not directly related to anemia. In summary, pallor is the most consistent finding in anemia due to decreased hemoglobin levels and subsequent tissue oxygenation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because wheezing during auscultation is considered abnormal in a respiratory assessment. Wheezing indicates narrowed airways, which can be a sign of conditions such as asthma or COPD. Resonance on percussion (A) and symmetrical chest expansion (B) are normal findings. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute (D) falls within the normal range of 12-20 breaths per minute. Therefore, wheezing is the only abnormal finding among the choices provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased level of consciousness. This is the most concerning assessment finding in a patient with a head injury because it indicates potential brain damage or swelling, which can lead to serious complications. Decreased consciousness may suggest increased intracranial pressure, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent further damage. A: Reactive pupils are generally a positive sign and indicate normal brain function. C: Mild headache is a common symptom after a head injury and may not necessarily indicate a serious issue. D: Nausea and vomiting can be common symptoms in head injuries, but they are not as concerning as a decreased level of consciousness, as they can also be caused by other factors such as pain or anxiety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Palpating the chest while the patient speaks. Tactile fremitus is assessed by palpating the chest while the patient speaks to feel for vibrations caused by the passage of air through the lungs. This technique helps to identify abnormalities in lung tissue density and air content. Percussing the lung fields (A) is used to assess for resonance and dullness, not tactile fremitus. Auscultating for breath sounds (B) is used to assess lung sounds, not tactile fremitus. Inspecting chest wall movement during inspiration (D) is used to assess for respiratory effort and symmetry, not tactile fremitus.