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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
It's essential to ensure that the client fully understands the surgical procedure and its implications before signing the informed consent form. If the client expresses confusion or lack of understanding, the nurse should involve the surgeon to address the concerns directly. The surgeon is the most appropriate person to provide comprehensive information about the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This promotes patient autonomy and informed decision-making, aligning with ethical principles.
Choice B rationale:
While educating the client about the procedure is important, it's not the nurse's role to provide detailed explanations of surgical procedures. Additionally, the surgeon possesses the necessary expertise to explain medical procedures accurately. Relying on the surgeon for this explanation maintains professional boundaries and ensures accurate information dissemination.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to reread the consent form is insufficient if the client did not initially understand the explanation. The consent form might contain complex medical language, and the client might need direct communication with the surgeon to address specific concerns. Merely re-reading the form might not alleviate the client's confusion.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that the surgeon will explain the procedure in the operating room is inappropriate. The client's concerns should be addressed promptly, and the explanation should occur before the surgery, allowing the client to make an informed decision. Operating rooms are not the appropriate setting for obtaining informed consent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying a moisture barrier ointment helps protect the skin from the effects of moisture exposure due to urinary incontinence. Prolonged exposure to urine can lead to skin breakdown, irritation, and infection. A moisture barrier ointment creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin damage.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not typically the first intervention to prevent skin breakdown in clients with urinary incontinence. Catheters carry their own set of risks, including infection, and should be considered after other interventions have been explored.
Choice C rationale:
Repositioning the client every 8 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown due to urinary incontinence. Clients with urinary incontinence should be repositioned more frequently to address the effects of moisture.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client's skin every 8 hours is an important step, but it alone may not effectively prevent skin breakdown. Incontinence-associated dermatitis can develop quickly, so it's essential to implement protective measures like using a moisture barrier ointment.
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