Question

the nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client's musculoskeletal system and notes that the client is right-handed. the nurse would document which assessment findings as normal? select all that apply.

Answer 1

Normal assessment findings for an individual who is right-handed would include stronger musculature on the right side, better proficiency in fine motor skills with the right hand, and no significant lateral differences in strength. Additionally, normal sensation, reflexes, and coordination during the neurological examination for both sides would be documented as normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client's musculoskeletal system and notes that the client is right-handed, normal findings would include stronger muscle development on the right side due to the dominance of use. This might manifest as more prominent musculature and often slightly better muscle strength when performing tasks or resistance exercises. The following assessment findings would generally be documented as normal:

1. Increase in muscle size or strength on the dominant side, which in this case would be the right side.
2. Able to perform fine motor skills more proficiently with the right hand.
3. No significant lateral differences in strength that would indicate a neurological deficit.

Moreover, findings of normal sensation, reflexes, and coordination during the neurological examination that correspond to both sides, and are not indicative of a pathology, would also be considered normal.