A nurse is auscultating the lungs of a client and hears low-pitched, soft breath sounds over the posterior lower lobes and inspiration that is longer than expiration. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
These sounds are normally auscultated over the trachea
These are bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location
These are bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location
These are vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location
The Correct Answer is D
A) These sounds are normally auscultated over the trachea:
This is incorrect. The tracheal breath sounds are harsh, loud, and high-pitched, typically heard over the trachea and larynx. These characteristics differ from the soft, low-pitched sounds described in the question, which are more consistent with vesicular breath sounds.
B) These are bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location:
This is incorrect. Bronchial breath sounds are typically heard over the trachea and larynx, not the lower lobes of the lungs. Bronchial sounds are loud, high-pitched, and have a longer expiration phase compared to inspiration, unlike the low-pitched, soft sounds with longer inspiration that are heard in the lower lobes.
C) These are bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location:
This is incorrect. Bronchovesicular breath sounds are a mix of bronchial and vesicular sounds, with inspiration and expiration of about equal duration. They are typically heard over the major bronchi, near the sternum and between the scapulae, rather than over the posterior lower lobes. The description in the question suggests vesicular breath sounds, which have a longer inspiration phase.
D) These are vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location:
This is the correct answer. Vesicular breath sounds are soft, low-pitched, and typically heard over the peripheral lung fields, including the posterior lower lobes. These sounds have a longer inspiration phase than expiration and are considered normal in this location. The description in the question fits the characteristics of vesicular breath sounds perfectly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Both lungs are equal in size with varying numbers of lobes:
This is incorrect. The right lung is slightly larger than the left lung, as the left lung is somewhat smaller to accommodate the heart. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has only two lobes.
B) The diaphragm rises in the chest during inspiration:
This is incorrect. During inspiration (inhalation), the diaphragm contracts and moves downward to allow the lungs to expand and fill with air. It rises during exhalation as it relaxes and pushes air out of the lungs.
C) The left lung has two lobes to make room for the heart:
This is correct. The left lung has two lobes (upper and lower) compared to the three lobes of the right lung. The left lung is slightly smaller due to the space the heart occupies on the left side of the chest, allowing for asymmetry between the two lungs.
D) The right lung has two lobes to make room for the liver:
This is incorrect. The right lung has three lobes, not two. The liver is located lower in the abdomen and does not influence the number of lobes in the right lung. The asymmetry of the lungs is due to the position of the heart on the left side of the chest.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Lid lag when moving the eyes from a superior to an inferior position:
This is incorrect. Lid lag refers to a delay in the movement of the eyelid as the eyes move downward. It is considered an abnormal finding and is often associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease), where the eyelid does not follow the downward gaze appropriately. In the diagnostic positions test, normal eye movement should not include lid lag.
B) Nystagmus when reading the Snellen chart:
This is incorrect. Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyes, which can be indicative of a neurological or vestibular issue. It is not a normal finding during the diagnostic positions test. Nystagmus may be seen with certain disorders, such as vestibular dysfunction, neurologic damage, or alcohol intoxication, but it should not occur as a normal response to eye movement during the diagnostic positions test.
C) Parallel movement of both eyes:
This is the correct answer. In a normal result of the diagnostic positions test, both eyes should move in parallel and remain aligned during all directions of gaze. The purpose of this test is to assess for any eye muscle weakness or cranial nerve dysfunction that might cause misalignment, such as strabismus or a disorder affecting the extraocular muscles. If both eyes track smoothly and simultaneously without deviation or lag, this is a normal and expected finding.
D) Convergence of the eyes:
This is incorrect. While convergence (the inward movement of both eyes toward the nose) is a normal response when focusing on a near object, it is not the specific goal of the diagnostic positions test. The diagnostic positions test is primarily concerned with assessing the ability of the eyes to move together in all directions of gaze without misalignment or abnormal movement. While convergence is a sign of normal eye function, it is not the primary focus of this particular test.
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