Question

The nurse is completing an abdominal assessment and is percussing over the left side of the upper portion of the client's abdomen over the area of the stomach. The client states, "I haven't had my breakfast, yet." Based on this statement, which does the nurse anticipate?

1) Dullness
2) Flatness
3) Tympany
4) Hyperesonance

Answer 1

The nurse would anticipate hearing tympany when percussing over the client's abdomen based on the client's statement that they have not had breakfast yet. Tympany is a drum-like sound heard when percussing over a hollow organ like the stomach.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the client's statement, 'I haven't had my breakfast, yet,' the nurse would anticipate hearing tympany when percussing over the left side of the upper portion of the client's abdomen.

Tympany is a drum-like sound heard when percussing over a hollow organ such as the stomach. It is a normal finding in the abdomen, particularly after a person has not eaten and the stomach is empty.