A Medical-Surgical nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following findings will the nurse most likely observe?

Unequal chest expansion.

Atrophied neck and trapezius muscle.

Increased tactile fremitus.

An anterior-to-posterior chest diameter ratio of 1:1.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Unequal chest expansion is the correct choice. In a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the airways are often narrowed and obstructed, leading to difficulty in moving air in and out of the lungs. This can result in unequal chest expansion during breathing, where one side of the chest expands less than the other. This finding is commonly observed in patients with COPD due to the imbalance in lung function between different areas of the lungs.

Choice B rationale:

Atrophied neck and trapezius muscle is not a typical finding in COPD. Muscle atrophy can occur in conditions of prolonged disuse or immobility, but it is not a characteristic manifestation of COPD itself.

Choice C rationale:

Increased tactile fremitus refers to increased vibrations felt on the chest wall during speech. This finding is more commonly associated with conditions that cause lung consolidation, such as pneumonia. In COPD, there is often air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which would not lead to increased tactile fremitus.

Choice D rationale:

An anterior-to-posterior chest diameter ratio of 1:1 is not a typical finding in a healthy individual, let alone in a patient with COPD. In COPD, there is often an increase in the anterior-to-posterior chest diameter ratio, giving the chest a barrel-like appearance. This is due to the trapped air and hyperinflation of the lungs, which is characteristic of the disease.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Volunteer to provide an inservice about infection control.While providing an inservice about infection control is important, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse needs to address the current situation to prevent potential contamination and infection spread.

B. Speak with the AP when he exits the room about the appropriate protocol.Speaking with the AP about the appropriate protocol is necessary, but it should be done after ensuring the immediate safety of the client and others. Delaying action could result in exposure to infectious agents.

C. Provide the appropriate PPE to the AP.This action addresses the immediate risk of infection transmission. By providing the appropriate PPE, the nurse ensures that the AP can safely continue their duties without putting themselves or the client at risk.

D. Notify the charge nurse about the AP's need for training.Notifying the charge nurse is important for long-term improvement, but it does not address the immediate risk. The nurse must first ensure that the AP is properly equipped to handle the current situation safely.

A. The left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. B. The left fifth intercostal space. C. The left second intercostal space. D. The right second intercostal space.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. The left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line is the location for palpating the apical pulse, not the pulmonic area. This area is used to assess the heart's apex, particularly for detecting the point of maximal impulse (PMI).

B. The left fifth intercostal space is also associated with the apical pulse, but it lacks the specificity of the midclavicular line, making it less precise for identifying the pulmonic area.

C. The left second intercostal space is the correct location for palpating the pulmonic area. This area is where the pulmonic valve is best auscultated and palpated, allowing for the detection of any abnormal pulsations or sounds related to the pulmonary artery.

D. The right second intercostal space is the location for palpating the aortic area, not the pulmonic area. This site is used to assess the aortic valve and any related abnormalities.

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A Medical-Surgical nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following findings will the nurse most likely observe?

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