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 D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Drowsiness is not a typical finding associated with hypoxia. Hypoxia often leads to increased alertness and anxiety as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Drowsiness might be seen in severe cases of hypoxia, but it's not a consistent finding.

Choice B rationale:

Jaundice is not directly related to hypoxia. Jaundice is usually caused by elevated bilirubin levels due to liver dysfunction or other underlying issues. It is not a primary manifestation of hypoxia.

Choice C rationale:

Flushed pink cheeks can be an indicator of increased blood flow to the skin, which might occur as the body tries to compensate for hypoxia. However, this finding is not as consistent or specific as tachycardia in cases of hypoxia.

Choice D rationale:

Tachycardia, or an abnormally rapid heart rate, is a common physiological response to hypoxia. The body attempts to deliver more oxygen to tissues by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps maintain tissue perfusion in the face of reduced oxygen levels.

A. Hypotension. B. Dysphagia. C. Peripheral Edema. D. Agitation.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypotension is not an expected manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Hypotension refers to abnormally low blood pressure. During an asthma attack, the body's response to hypoxemia is more likely to involve increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the heart attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen levels.

Choice B rationale:

Dysphagia is not directly related to hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which is not a typical respiratory manifestation. Hypoxemia in asthma is more likely to lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and increased work of breathing.

Choice C rationale:

Peripheral edema is not a typical manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Peripheral edema, or swelling in the extremities, can occur in conditions like heart failure but is not directly related to the airway constriction and reduced oxygen exchange seen in asthma attacks.

Choice D rationale:

Agitation is the correct choice. Hypoxemia, which occurs when there is a decrease in the oxygen levels in the blood, can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain. This can result in neurological symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Agitation is a manifestation of the body's attempt to cope with the lack of oxygen.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoxia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client for hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

A nurse is assessing a patient who has chronic bronchitis. The nurse should expect the patient's chest to be which of the following shapes?

A Cardiovascular nurse is preparing to measure a client's level of oxygen saturation and observes edema of both hands and thickened toenails. The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to which of the following locations?

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 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?

A nurse notices an assistive personnel (AP) preparing to deliver a food tray to his client who practices the Orthodox Jewish faith. On the tray is a roast beef dinner with nonfat milk. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is monitoring a client who is postoperative and unable to respond to questions. Which of the following nonverbal behaviors should the nurse identify as an indication that the client has pain? (Select all that apply.).