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 A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
This statement by an assistive personnel (AP) indicates a need for further teaching. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of microorganisms, and it involves both handwashing and the appropriate use of gloves. Changing gloves between clients is important to prevent cross-contamination, but it doesn't replace the need for handwashing. Hands can become contaminated even with the use of gloves, and proper hand hygiene should be practiced before and after glove use.
Choice A rationale:
The statement about using alcohol-based hand products after most client contact is accurate. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands when soap and water are not readily available. They are especially useful in healthcare settings.
Choice B rationale:
Washing hands before providing client care is a fundamental principle of infection control. It helps remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Choice C rationale:
The statement about not wearing artificial nails when providing client care is correct. Artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and are challenging to clean thoroughly. They pose an infection risk and are generally not recommended for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care.
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