While Performing a Rectal Examination, the Advanced Practice Nurse Palpates

Multiple Choice

While performing a rectal examination, the advanced practice nurse palpates a firm, irregularly shaped mass.What should the nurse do next?

A) Continue with the examination, and document the finding in the chart
B) Instruct the patient to return for a repeat assessment in 1 month
C) Tell the patient that a mass was felt but that it is nothing to worry about
D) Report the finding and refer the patient to a specialist for further examination