A nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment on a healthy client. In which of the following anatomical landmarks would the nurse expect to palpate the client's Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI)?
Left fourth intercostal space at the sternal border.
Left third intercostal space at the sternal border.
Left second intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is: d. Left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Choice A: Left fourth intercostal space at the sternal border
The fourth intercostal space at the sternal border is not the typical location for the Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI). This area is more commonly associated with the tricuspid valve auscultation point. The PMI is usually found more laterally and inferiorly.
Choice B: Left third intercostal space at the sternal border
The third intercostal space at the sternal border is also not the correct location for the PMI. This area is generally used for auscultating the pulmonic valve. The PMI is located further down and towards the midclavicular line.
Choice C: Left second intercostal space at the midclavicular line
The second intercostal space at the midclavicular line is typically where the aortic valve is auscultated. The PMI is not found this high up on the chest.
Choice D: Left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line
This is the correct location for palpating the Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI). The PMI is usually located at the apex of the heart, which is found at the left fifth intercostal space along the midclavicular line. This is where the left ventricle is closest to the chest wall and can be felt most strongly during systole.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Protective precautions (also known as reverse isolation) are implemented to protect clients with compromised immune systems from potential pathogens brought in by healthcare providers or visitors. This choice would be appropriate for clients who are highly susceptible to infections, but it's not the primary choice for managing a wound infected with MRSA.
Choice B rationale:
Droplet precautions are utilized for diseases spread by respiratory droplets. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact with contaminated skin or objects. Therefore, droplet precautions are not the most appropriate choice for this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Airborne precautions are designed for diseases that spread via small particles suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis. MRSA does not spread through the airborne route, so airborne precautions are not necessary for a wound infection with MRSA.
Choice D rationale:
Contact precautions are the correct choice when dealing with MRSA infections. MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact or contact with contaminated objects. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse can effectively prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and healthcare workers.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.
Choice A rationale:
Petechiae on the chest (Choice A) are tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to small blood vessel breakage. They are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. Petechiae are more often related to conditions like thrombocytopenia or certain infections, where blood clotting is impaired.
Choice B rationale:
Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, often referred to as "barrel chest," is a characteristic finding in clients with COPD and emphysema. This occurs due to the hyperinflation of the lungs and the loss of elasticity in the lung tissues, which causes the chest to become rounded and the ribs to be positioned more horizontally.
Choice C rationale:
An oxygen saturation level of 96% (Choice C) is within the normal range for oxygen saturation. However, while it's important for clients with COPD to maintain adequate oxygen levels, this value doesn't specifically correlate with the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis (Choice D) involves an increase in blood pH due to decreased levels of carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) caused by hyperventilation. While respiratory alkalosis can occur in clients with COPD due to compensatory hyperventilation, it is not a direct assessment finding related to the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.
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