A nurse is assessing a client who has flail chest. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Only the flail segment pulling inward during expiration
The entire chest pulling inward during expiration
The entire chest pushing outward during inspiration
Only the flail segment pulling inward during inspiration
The Correct Answer is D
A. Only the flail segment pulling inward during expiration: During expiration, the pressure inside the chest decreases, and typically the chest wall recoils outward. A flail segment moves abnormally in the opposite direction during inspiration, not expiration.
B. The entire chest pulling inward during expiration: Inward movement of the entire chest during expiration is not characteristic of flail chest. This could suggest severe respiratory distress or chest wall weakness, but not the hallmark sign of flail chest.
C. The entire chest pushing outward during inspiration: This is a normal movement during inspiration and not specific to flail chest. In flail chest, the abnormality is seen in the flail segment, not the entire chest.
D. Only the flail segment pulling inward during inspiration: This is the classic finding in flail chest. Due to the broken ribs losing continuity with the rest of the rib cage, the flail segment moves paradoxically—inward during inspiration and outward during expiration—opposite to the normal chest wall motion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Urine output less than 50 mL in 24 hr: Extremely low urine output, or oliguria, may indicate worsening SIADH or acute kidney injury. Conivaptan is a vasopressin receptor antagonist used to promote free water excretion, so minimal urine output despite treatment is alarming and requires immediate provider notification.
B. Dry mucous membranes: This can occur with fluid loss and is a sign of mild dehydration, but it is not the most urgent concern. It should be monitored, but it does not necessarily signal treatment failure or an acute complication.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.020: This value is within normal range and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine appropriately. It does not indicate a dangerous or emergent condition.
D. Serum sodium 130 mEq/L: While this level is low, it is a common finding in SIADH. Unless sodium levels drop rapidly or fall below 125 mEq/L, it is not typically considered an immediate emergency.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Metastasis means a group of abnormal kidney cells is localized to a single location.": This describes a localized or primary tumor, not metastasis. Metastasis refers specifically to the spread of cancer cells beyond the original site.
B. "Metastasis occurs when cancerous growths are located in the kidneys and also another part of the body.": Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells break away from the original tumor and spread through the blood or lymphatic system to distant organs. It indicates the presence of secondary tumors outside the kidney.
C. "Metastasis occurs when cancer cells grow until they run out of space and stop growing.": Cancer cells do not stop growing when space runs out; they continue to grow uncontrollably. This statement does not accurately reflect the meaning or mechanism of metastasis.
D. "Metastasis is when a group of kidney cells have changed to more closely resemble intestinal cells.": This describes metaplasia, not metastasis. Metaplasia is a change in cell type due to chronic irritation, not the spread of cancer.
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