Question

As part of catheter insertion assessment, where should the nurse palpate?

A. At the costovertebral angle
B. Above the symphysis pubis
C. Starting at the right iliac crest and moving upward along the midclavicular line
D. Midway between the xyphoid process and symphysis pubis

Answer 1

During the assessment for urinary catheter insertion, the nurse should palpate above the symphysis pubis to determine if the bladder is distended, indicating the need for catheter placement.

Step-by-step explanation:

As part of catheter insertion assessment, the nurse should palpate above the symphysis pubis. This location is relevant because it provides information about the bladder, which can be indicative of the proper placement of a urinary catheter. The options provided, such as at the costovertebral angle and starting at the right iliac crest and moving upward along the midclavicular line, are related to different medical procedures and assessments, like bone marrow biopsies and abdominal pain localization, but are not the typical sites for catheter insertion assessments. Palpation midway between the xyphoid process and symphysis pubis is a broader abdominal area and not specific for catheter placements. Therefore, for a urinary catheter insertion, palpation above the symphysis pubis is the correct procedure, as it allows assessment of a distended bladder, which is indicative that catheter insertion may be needed.