A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Pneumonia.

Atelectasis.

Pleural effusion.

Emphysema.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is not likely to be the correct answer. Pneumonia is often characterized by productive cough, fever, chest pain, and increased tactile fremitus due to consolidation of lung tissue. The presence of barrel chest, decreased tactile fremitus, and hyperresonant percussion sounds is not consistent with pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Atelectasis is not the most likely option. Atelectasis refers to collapsed or partially collapsed lung tissue, which can lead to decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus. The symptoms mentioned in the scenario, such as prolonged expiration, wheezes, and barrel chest, are not indicative of atelectasis.

Choice C rationale:

Pleural effusion is not the most suitable choice. Pleural effusion usually presents with decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus over the affected area due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space. The hyperresonant percussion sounds and the presence of wheezes and rhonchi do not align with pleural effusion.

Choice D rationale:

Emphysema is the most likely disorder based on the given symptoms. Barrel chest (increased anterior-posterior chest diameter), limited lung expansion, decreased tactile fremitus, hyperresonant percussion sounds, prolonged expiration, wheezes, and rhonchi are characteristic findings of emphysema. This condition involves damage to the alveoli and their supporting structures, leading to air trapping, reduced lung elasticity, and obstructed airflow. The patient's use of accessory muscles to breathe further suggests a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Decreased heart rate is not an anticipated finding in response to acute pain. Pain typically triggers sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to an increased heart rate as a physiological response to the stressor.

Choice B rationale:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with acute pain. Acute pain is more likely to induce a sympathetic response, which can lead to decreased gastrointestinal motility and hypoactive bowel sounds.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased blood pressure is not a common response to acute pain. Pain often leads to an increase in blood pressure due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones.

Choice D rationale:

Increased respiratory rate is the anticipated finding in response to acute pain. Acute pain can cause an increase in the sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to a higher respiratory rate as the body prepares for a fight-or-flight response. This increased respiratory rate helps oxygenate the blood and meet the potential increased demand for energy during stress.

A. Admission assessment of a new client. B. Evaluating changes to a client's pressure ulcer. C. Performing tracheostomy care on a client. D. Administering a blood transfusion to a client.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Admission assessment of a new client requires comprehensive evaluation, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of a registered nurse's responsibilities and should not be delegated to an LPN.

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating changes to a client's pressure ulcer also involves clinical judgment and assessment skills that fall within the domain of a registered nurse's role.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Tracheostomy care involves routine and standardized procedures that an LPN can perform under the supervision of a registered nurse. LPNs are trained to provide this type of care safely and effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a blood transfusion is a complex procedure that requires careful monitoring and assessment for potential adverse reactions. This task is typically within the scope of a registered nurse's practice, not an LPN's.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who reports acute pain. The nurse should anticipate which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a long-term care facility is planning care for several clients. Which of the following activities should the nurse delegate to the licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A Medical-Surgical nurse is caring for a client suffering from osteoarthritis. The nurse applies warm compresses to the client's joint. Which of the following phases of nursing care is the nurse demonstrating?

A Medical-Surgical nurse is assessing a client's heart sounds. In which of the following points of auscultation would the nurse hear the S2 sound most clearly?

A nurse on the Medical-Surgical unit is caring for a patient with a surgical incision that eviscerates. Which actions will the nurse take? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is providing teaching to a client about preventing skin cancer. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse in a provider's office returns a telephone call by the end of the day, as promised, to a client who is worried about the outcome of a laboratory test. The nurse is demonstrating which of the following ethical principles?

The nurse in the trauma unit has received a report on a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

A nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment on a healthy client. In which of the following anatomical landmarks would the nurse expect to palpate the client's Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI)?