A nurse is examining the chest of a post-operative client. Upon palpation, the nurse notes a crackling sensation. Which of the following conditions would the nurse report to the provider?
Decreased tactile fremitus.
Pleural friction fremitus.
Crepitus.
Rhonchal fremitus.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Decreased tactile fremitus refers to a decreased vibration felt upon palpation of the chest, which might be indicative of conditions such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax. It is not directly associated with a crackling sensation.
Choice B rationale:
Pleural friction fremitus occurs when inflamed pleural surfaces rub against each other during breathing. It typically results in a grating sensation rather than a crackling sensation. It is associated with conditions like pleuritis.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Crepitus refers to a crackling or grating sound/sensation that occurs when gas or air accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue. It can indicate a serious condition, such as subcutaneous emphysema, which might result from lung or chest wall injury, infections, or surgery.
Choice D rationale:
Rhonchal fremitus is associated with coarse breath sounds caused by thick secretions in the larger airways. It is felt as vibration during palpation and is not related to crackling sensations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Drowsiness is not a typical finding associated with hypoxia. Hypoxia often leads to increased alertness and anxiety as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Drowsiness might be seen in severe cases of hypoxia, but it's not a consistent finding.
Choice B rationale:
Jaundice is not directly related to hypoxia. Jaundice is usually caused by elevated bilirubin levels due to liver dysfunction or other underlying issues. It is not a primary manifestation of hypoxia.
Choice C rationale:
Flushed pink cheeks can be an indicator of increased blood flow to the skin, which might occur as the body tries to compensate for hypoxia. However, this finding is not as consistent or specific as tachycardia in cases of hypoxia.
Choice D rationale:
Tachycardia, or an abnormally rapid heart rate, is a common physiological response to hypoxia. The body attempts to deliver more oxygen to tissues by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps maintain tissue perfusion in the face of reduced oxygen levels.
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