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 A
Explanation
A. Maxillary sinusitis:
Explanation: The client's symptoms of facial pain, fever, malaise, swollen turbinates, purulent nasal discharge, and dull, throbbing pain in the cheeks and teeth on the right side, especially when palpated, are indicative of maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located in the cheek area. The symptoms described align with a bacterial infection in this sinus.
B. Nasal polyps:
Explanation: Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. While they can cause nasal congestion and a runny nose, they do not typically present with the specific symptoms mentioned in the scenario, such as facial pain, fever, and purulent discharge.
C. Frontal sinusitis:
Explanation: Frontal sinusitis involves inflammation of the frontal sinuses located in the forehead area. Symptoms may include forehead pain, headache, and nasal discharge. However, the described symptoms in the scenario (dull, throbbing pain in the cheeks and teeth on the right side) are more characteristic of maxillary sinusitis.
D. Posterior epistaxis:
Explanation: Posterior epistaxis refers to a nosebleed that originates from the back of the nose, often due to bleeding from the sphenopalatine artery. While nosebleeds can cause blood drainage into the throat and result in a metallic taste, the other symptoms described in the scenario, such as facial pain, fever, and purulent discharge, are not indicative of posterior epistaxis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discuss that a light will be directed at the neck to observe for pulsations of the artery:
This choice is incorrect. Directing light at the neck is not a standard method for assessing carotid artery pulsations. The carotid artery is usually assessed by palpation to feel the pulse rather than visual observation.
B. Instruct the client to take a deep breath and "hold" while the nurse briefly auscultates:
This choice is incorrect. Auscultation is typically not used to assess carotid artery pulsations. Palpation (feeling the pulse) is the primary method used for this assessment.
C. Demonstrate that both arteries will be palpated simultaneously to compare amplitude:
This choice is correct. Palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously allows the nurse to compare the amplitude (strength) of the pulses. This comparison helps in assessing the symmetry of the pulses and ensures there are no significant differences between the two sides, which could indicate vascular abnormalities.
D. Show the client the diaphragm of the stethoscope that will be placed on the neck:
This choice is incorrect. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is not typically used for palpating pulses. Palpation involves using the fingertips to feel the pulse and assess its strength and regularity.
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