A nurse is performing a lung assessment on an older adult client and notes the following:

- Blood pressure: 136/90

- Pulse: 88 beats per minute

- Oxygen saturation: 92%

- Respiratory rate: 18 breaths per minute

- Lung sounds: Diminished breath sounds in all lung fields

What would the nurse expect to be happening with the client?

Client is experiencing a fluid deficit.

Adventitious sounds are present.

Hyperinflation of the lungs.

Client has a pectus carinatum.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. A fluid deficit may cause tachycardia and hypotension, but it does not directly cause diminished lung sounds.
B. Adventitious sounds (wheezes, crackles, rhonchi, etc.) are absent in this case. Diminished breath sounds suggest poor airflow, not abnormal sounds.
C. Hyperinflation of the lungs is correct. In conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, lung expansion is limited, leading to diminished breath sounds in all lung fields due to air trapping. The oxygen saturation of 92% is consistent with chronic lung disease.
D. Pectus carinatum (protrusion of the sternum) is a congenital deformity that does not cause diminished breath sounds.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The client's ability to change position is correct. The Braden Scale assesses sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Limited mobility increases the risk for pressure injuries.
B. A history of integumentary disorders is not part of the Braden Scale assessment. The scale focuses on current risk factors rather than past dermatologic conditions.
C. Skin pigmentation is not a factor in pressure ulcer risk assessment. However, in clients with darker skin, early signs of pressure injuries may be harder to detect due to lack of visible blanching.
D. Medications are not directly included in the Braden Scale. While some medications (e.g., steroids) can increase pressure injury risk, the Braden Scale does not specifically assess them.

A. Clubbing of the fingers B. Bilateral crepitus C. Bilateral peripheral edema D. Increased anteroposterior diameter

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Clubbing of the fingers is a chronic finding associated with long-term hypoxia from respiratory diseases such as chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis, not acute heart failure.
B. Bilateral crepitus suggests air trapping or alveolar collapse, which is more indicative of pneumonia or emphysema, rather than a primary cardiac cause.
C. Bilateral peripheral edema is correct. Dyspnea that worsens when lying flat (orthopnea) and the need for multiple pillows to sleep comfortably are signs of heart failure. Peripheral edema indicates fluid overload due to poor cardiac function.
D. Increased anteroposterior diameter is associated with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, where lung hyperinflation leads to a "barrel chest" appearance. This is not a typical finding in heart failure.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is utilizing the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk during the admission assessment of an older adult client. What assessment parameter will the nurse evaluate when using this scale?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client complains of shortness of breath and having to sleep on three pillows to breathe comfortably at night. During the nurse's examination, what findings will suggest that the cause of this client's dyspnea is due to a heart condition rather than respiratory disease?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client with a history of obesity. Upon palpation of the client's skin, the nurse notes diaphoresis. The client reports that, "it is always like that." The nurse should thoroughly inspect the skin on what part of the client's body?

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The nurse is assessing an older adult client in the emergency room. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the client is in the tripod position, has dyspnea at rest, wheezing upon auscultation, and an oxygen saturation level of 91%. What significant health problem might the nurse suspect?

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