A nurse is assessing a client's cardiovascular system. To palpate for unexpected pulsations in the pulmonic area, at which anatomical location should the nurse place her fingers?
The left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
The left fifth intercostal space.
The left second intercostal space.
The right second intercostal space.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The choice "Patient ate half of his breakfast tray" is not the correct answer. While poor appetite or decreased intake can impact a patient's nutritional status, it is not a direct indicator of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice B rationale:
The choice "Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee" is not the correct answer. This might indicate a localized skin issue, such as an allergic reaction or dermatitis, but it is not a clear sign of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice C rationale:
The choice "Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds" is not the correct answer. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral circulation and is useful in evaluating perfusion, but it is not specifically indicative of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is "Patient is incontinent of stool." Choice D is the correct answer. Incontinence, especially fecal incontinence, increases the risk of pressure ulcer development. Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or stool weakens the skin's integrity, making it more susceptible to breakdown when pressure is applied over bony prominences.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypotension is not an expected manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Hypotension refers to abnormally low blood pressure. During an asthma attack, the body's response to hypoxemia is more likely to involve increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the heart attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen levels.
Choice B rationale:
Dysphagia is not directly related to hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which is not a typical respiratory manifestation. Hypoxemia in asthma is more likely to lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and increased work of breathing.
Choice C rationale:
Peripheral edema is not a typical manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Peripheral edema, or swelling in the extremities, can occur in conditions like heart failure but is not directly related to the airway constriction and reduced oxygen exchange seen in asthma attacks.
Choice D rationale:
Agitation is the correct choice. Hypoxemia, which occurs when there is a decrease in the oxygen levels in the blood, can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain. This can result in neurological symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Agitation is a manifestation of the body's attempt to cope with the lack of oxygen.
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