A client diagnosed with pleuritis has been admitted to the hospital and complains of pain with breathing. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect when auscultating a client with pleuritis?
Wheezing
Friction rub
Stridor
Crackles
The Correct Answer is B
A. Wheezing: Wheezing is a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound usually heard during expiration. It is often associated with narrowed airways, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing occurs due to the turbulent airflow through narrowed bronchi or bronchioles and is not typically associated with pleuritis.
B. Friction rub: Pleuritis, or inflammation of the pleura, can cause a friction rub. This sound occurs when the inflamed pleural layers rub against each other during breathing. It's a grating or rubbing sound heard on auscultation and is a hallmark sign of pleuritis.
C. Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration and sometimes expiration. It is often a sign of upper airway obstruction, such as in croup or anaphylaxis. Stridor results from turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed or narrowed larynx or trachea.
D. Crackles: Crackles, also known as rales, are brief, discontinuous, popping sounds heard on inspiration. They can be fine or coarse and are often associated with conditions that cause fluid or secretions in the alveoli or small airways, such as pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically associated with pleuritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Inform the client that his breast enlargement is benign, and normal for a man of his age:
This choice is not appropriate because while gynecomastia can be benign, it should not be assumed without a proper medical evaluation. Gynecomastia can have various causes, including hormonal imbalances or underlying medical conditions. It's crucial to identify the cause through a medical assessment.
B. Explain that this condition may be the result of hormonal changes, and recommend that he see his physician:
This is the correct choice. Gynecomastia can indeed be caused by hormonal changes, but it can also be due to medications, certain health conditions, or hormonal imbalances. Therefore, the nurse should recommend a medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.
C. Recommend that he alter his diet to include fewer fats and more lean proteins:
This choice is not relevant to gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is not typically caused by dietary factors, so altering the diet would not be a suitable response to this situation.
D. Explain that gynecomastia in men is usually associated with prostate enlargement and recommend that he be thoroughly screened:
This choice is incorrect. Gynecomastia is not directly associated with prostate enlargement. While both conditions can occur in older men, they are distinct medical issues. Screening for prostate enlargement is not indicated based solely on the presence of gynecomastia. Proper evaluation and assessment of each condition are necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Have the client breathe quickly:
This choice is incorrect because having the client breathe quickly is not a technique for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is assessed by feeling vibrations on the chest wall while the patient speaks, not during normal breathing.
B. Palpate the chest symmetrically:
This choice is correct. To assess tactile fremitus, the nurse places the palms or ulnar aspects of both hands firmly against the patient's chest while the patient speaks a phrase. The nurse should palpate the chest symmetrically to detect vibrations equally on both sides, which can help identify abnormalities in the lungs.
C. Ask the client to cough:
This choice is incorrect. Asking the client to cough is not a technique for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is evaluated by feeling vibrations while the patient speaks, not while coughing.
D. Use the bell of the stethoscope:
This choice is incorrect. Tactile fremitus is assessed by palpation, not auscultation with a stethoscope. Using the bell of the stethoscope is a technique for listening to low-pitched sounds, not for assessing tactile fremitus.
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