A nurse is assisting with the care of a school-age child who has respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Which of the following positions should the nurse encourage to allow maximal lung expansion?

Choice A reason: Crackles auscultated over the client's lung fields are not a sign of pleural effusion. Crackles are abnormal breath sounds that indicate fluid or secretions in the alveoli. They can be heard in conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary edema.

Choice B reason: Crepitus palpated on the client's chest is not a sign of pleural effusion. Crepitus is a crackling sensation that occurs when air leaks into the subcutaneous tissue. It can be felt in conditions such as pneumothorax, chest trauma, or chest surgery.

Choice C reason: Substernal retractions noted on the client's chest are not a sign of pleural effusion. Substernal retractions are inward movements of the chest wall below the sternum that indicate increased respiratory effort. They can be seen in conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, or croup.

Choice D reason: Dullness percussed over the client's lung fields is a sign of pleural effusion. Dullness is a flat sound that indicates the presence of a solid or liquid mass in the thoracic cavity. It can be detected in conditions such as pleural effusion, atelectasis, or consolidation.

Choice A reason: Flank pain is not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Flank pain is a pain in the side of the abdomen or back, usually caused by kidney problems, such as infection, stones, or injury. Flank pain can be a sign of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious complication that occurs when the donor blood is incompatible with the recipient's blood type.

Choice B reason: Elevated blood pressure is not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Elevated blood pressure is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Elevated blood pressure can be a sign of a hypertensive transfusion reaction, which is a rare complication that occurs when the donor blood has a higher sodium level than the recipient's blood.

Choice C reason: Distended neck veins are not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Distended neck veins are a sign of increased pressure in the right side of the heart or the superior vena cava, which can be caused by heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or obstruction. Distended neck veins can be a sign of a circulatory overload transfusion reaction, which is a complication that occurs when the blood volume or rate of infusion is too high for the recipient's cardiovascular system.

Choice D reason: Wheezing is a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when the airways are narrowed or inflamed, which can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest tightness. Wheezing can be a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction, which is a hypersensitivity response to the donor blood or its components, such as plasma proteins, antibodies, or preservatives. An allergic transfusion reaction can range from mild to severe, and can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.