A client presents to the emergency room reporting sudden, sharp pain on the right side of the chest and shortness of breath. The right side of the chest is not moving with inspiration. The client's trachea is deviated towards the left: there is absence tactile fremitus on the right side of the chest. Upon percussion, the nurse hears hyperresonant sound on the right side of the thorax. Upon auscultation, no breath sounds are heard on the right. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Asthma.

Pneumothorax.

Atelectasis.

Pneumonia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Asthma - Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and increased mucus production. It does not typically present with absent breath sounds, deviation of the trachea, or hyperresonant percussion sounds. Wheezing is a common finding in asthma.

Choice B rationale:

Pneumothorax - This is the correct choice. The scenario describes classic signs of a tension pneumothorax, which is a medical emergency. The tracheal deviation, absence of breath sounds, and hyperresonant percussion note on the affected side are indicative of air accumulation in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse and displacement of mediastinal structures.

Choice C rationale:

Atelectasis - Atelectasis refers to the collapse or incomplete expansion of a lung or part of a lung. It can lead to decreased breath sounds on auscultation but does not usually cause tracheal deviation or hyperresonance on percussion. It is not the best fit for the described signs.

Choice D rationale:

Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue that can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and productive sputum. Breath sounds may be diminished over the affected area due to consolidation, but the absence of breath sounds, tracheal deviation, and hyperresonance point more strongly toward a pneumothorax in this case.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Enclosing the dressing in a single clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is not the appropriate method for disposing of a dressing saturated with blood and purulent drainage. Blood and purulent drainage are considered potentially infectious materials, and they should be handled as biohazardous waste to prevent the spread of infection.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. When dealing with potentially infectious materials such as blood and purulent drainage, it's essential to dispose of them in a biohazardous waste container. This specialized container is designed to contain potentially infectious materials and prevent their spread, thereby protecting both healthcare workers and the environment.

Choice C rationale:

Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is not the recommended approach for disposing of materials that are contaminated with blood and purulent drainage. Simply discarding it in the regular trash increases the risk of infection transmission and is not compliant with proper infection control practices.

Choice D rationale:

Double-bagging the dressing in clear bags and labeling it "biohazard" is a good practice to ensure proper containment. However, it's not the most comprehensive method of disposal. Placing the dressing in a dedicated biohazardous waste container is a more secure and standardized method for disposing of potentially infectious materials.

A. The laboratory technician restrains the arm of a client refusing to have blood drawn so that the specimen can be obtained. B. The primary health care provider tells a client that the nurse "does not know anything.” C. The nurse restrains a client at bedtime because the client gets up during the night and wanders around. D. The nurse tells a client that he will be tied down if he tries to get up from the chair.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This situation represents an example of assault. Assault is the threat of bodily harm or unwanted physical contact, which creates an apprehension of fear in the victim. In this case, the laboratory technician's actions of restraining the client's arm against their will for blood drawing without consent is a form of assault as it involves an intentional act causing fear of harm.

Choice B rationale:

While telling a client that the nurse "does not know anything" is unprofessional and disrespectful, it doesn't constitute assault. This scenario is more related to issues of communication and respect rather than a direct threat of physical harm.

Choice C rationale:

Restraining a client at bedtime to prevent wandering is not assault. This scenario might involve ethical considerations and the appropriate use of restraints, but it doesn't meet the legal definition of assault, which involves a threat of physical harm.

Choice D rationale:

Threatening to tie down a client if they try to get up from the chair is an example of assault. This action creates an apprehension of fear in the client by implying a physically harmful act. It's a direct threat that falls under the category of assault.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse caring for a client who has an infected wound removes a dressing saturated with blood and purulent drainage. How should the nurse dispose of the dressing material?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing unintentional and intentional torts. Which of the following clinical situations would the nurse identify as an example of assault?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client's spouse about how to obtain a blood pressure reading. Which of the following actions by the spouse indicates a need for further instruction?

A nurse is interviewing a female client who is Hispanic. The client's husband answers the questions and states, "She speaks only a little English." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is performing an assessment on a client who has COPD with emphysema. The client reports that he has a frequent wet cough and is occasionally short-of-breath. The nurse should anticipate which of the following assessment findings for this client?

A patient has difficulty in breathing. The nurse provides oxygen therapy to the patient, after which the patient feels better. Which principle is involved in this situation?

A nurse is assessing a client's cardiovascular system. To palpate for unexpected pulsations in the pulmonic area, at which anatomical location should the nurse place her fingers?

A nurse is caring for a client who is participating in a research study for an experimental chemotherapy medication. After three treatments, the experimental medication is discontinued due to evidence of rapidly advancing kidney failure. Which of the following ethical principles was demonstrated?

A nurse is assessing a client who has a pressure ulcer. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings is a manifestation of a stage 3 pressure ulcer?

A Medical-Surgical nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has a stage 3 pressure ulcer. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?