A male client arrives at the clinic for follow-up health assessment after recent antibiotic treatment for pneumonia without hospitalization. Which technique should the nurse implement to assess for adventitious lung sounds?
Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest.
Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes.
Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm.
Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Having the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest is incorrect because having the client lay flat may not be the most optimal position for auscultating lung sounds. While auscultation of the anterior surface of the chest is important, particularly for assessing the upper lobes of the lungs, having the client lay flat may not provide the best positioning for detecting all lung sounds, especially those located in the posterior lung fields.
Choice B Reason:
Using the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes is incorrect because using the bell of the stethoscope is more suitable for detecting low-frequency sounds such as heart murmurs or bruits. Adventitious lung sounds, such as crackles (rales) or wheezes, are typically high-pitched sounds that are best heard using the diaphragm of the stethoscope. Therefore, using the bell may not be the most effective technique for assessing adventitious lung sounds.
Choice C Reason:
Shaving all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm is incorrect because while removing chest hair may improve sound transmission for certain auscultatory findings, such as heart sounds, it is not specifically indicated for assessing adventitious lung sounds. Chest hair removal is not necessary for auscultation of lung sounds with the diaphragm of the stethoscope, as the sound transmission through chest hair is minimal and unlikely to significantly distort lung sounds.
Choice D Reason:
Pressing the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field is correct because using the diaphragm of the stethoscope and pressing it firmly on the skin over each lung field ensures good contact with the chest wall, allowing for optimal transmission of lung sounds. Adventitious lung sounds, such as crackles or wheezes, are best heard using the diaphragm, particularly when it is applied firmly to the chest wall to minimize external noise and enhance sound transmission. Therefore, this technique is the most appropriate for assessing adventitious lung sounds during auscultation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Number of attempts to quit smoking is incorrect. While the number of attempts to quit smoking may provide insight into the client's smoking cessation efforts and motivation, it is not directly relevant to calculating smoking pack years. Pack years specifically quantify the amount and duration of smoking, rather than cessation attempts.
Choice B Reason:
Packs of cigarettes smoked per day is correct. The number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day is a crucial factor in calculating smoking pack years. Pack years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years the individual has smoked. This information provides a quantitative measure of smoking exposure over time.
Choice C Reason:
Client's current age is incorrect. While the client's current age may be relevant in assessing overall health, risks associated with smoking and in discussing smoking cessation strategies, it is not directly used in the calculation of smoking pack years. Pack years are based on the total duration of smoking and the average daily consumption of cigarettes, not the client's current age.
Choice D Reason:
Number of years the client smoked is correct. The number of years the client has smoked is a critical piece of information for calculating smoking pack years. Pack years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the individual has smoked. This helps quantify the duration of smoking history.
Choice E Reason:
Age when the client started smoking is correct. Knowing the age at which the client started smoking is essential for determining the duration of smoking history, which is a key component in calculating pack years. It helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the client's smoking habits and exposure to tobacco smoke over time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
An adult male presents with fears that he has "lung cancer." Is appropriate. This choice accurately captures the client's expressed fear of having lung cancer. However, it lacks specificity regarding the duration of symptoms (six weeks) and the nature of the symptom (dry cough). Therefore, while it acknowledges the client's concern, it does not provide comprehensive documentation of the client's reported symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
This option accurately captures the client's primary concern, which is the persistent dry cough lasting for six weeks. It avoids assuming a diagnosis (such as lung cancer) and instead focuses on the client's reported symptom. This type of documentation allows for an objective record of the client's statement while avoiding speculation about specific diagnoses. It also provides important information that can guide further assessment and diagnostic evaluation by healthcare providers.
Choice C Reason:
This option documents the client's expressed concern about having symptoms consistent with lung cancer for the past six weeks. While it accurately reflects the client's fear, it may lead to premature assumptions about the diagnosis before a thorough assessment and diagnostic workup are conducted. It's important for documentation to focus on the client's reported symptoms rather than presumptive diagnoses to maintain objectivity and guide appropriate evaluation and management..
Choice D Reason:
Presents with a hacking non-productive cough of 6 weeks duration. This choice accurately describes the client's reported symptom of a "hacking non-productive cough" and includes the duration of the symptom (six weeks). However, it does not explicitly mention the client's expressed fear of having lung cancer, which is an important aspect of the client's presentation that should be documented. Additionally, the term "hacking" may not fully capture the severity or character of the client's reported cough, as the client described it as "body-wracking." Therefore, while it provides some relevant information, it does not fully capture the client's concerns and presentation.
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