A nurse is performing the diagnostic positions test. The nurse recognizes that normal findings from the diagnostic positions test should be which of these results?
Lid lag when moving the eyes from a superior to an inferior position
Nystagmus when reading the Snellen chart
Parallel movement of both eyes
Convergence of the eyes
The Correct Answer is C
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.
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 D
Explanation
A) Tactile fremitus:
Tactile fremitus refers to the vibrations felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks. It is assessed by placing the hands on the chest while the patient says "ninety-nine" or a similar phrase. Tactile fremitus is used to detect changes in lung density, such as consolidation or fluid. It does not describe a crackling sensation on the skin surface. A coarse, crackling sensation is more indicative of a different condition.
B) Adventitious sounds:
Adventitious sounds are abnormal lung sounds, such as crackles, wheezes, or rhonchi, heard during auscultation. These sounds are typically related to lung conditions, such as pneumonia, asthma, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. While adventitious sounds are significant findings during auscultation, they do not describe the physical sensation of crackling felt on the skin surface. Therefore, adventitious sounds are not the correct diagnosis for a tactile sensation over the chest.
C) Friction rub:
A friction rub is a harsh, grating sound heard during auscultation and is caused by inflammation of the pleura (the lining around the lungs). It occurs when the inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during breathing. While it is a distinct sound, a friction rub is not a tactile or palpable sensation. The crackling sensation described in the question is not related to the sounds produced by a pleural friction rub.
D) Crepitus:
Crepitus is the correct answer. It refers to a coarse, crackling sensation felt on the skin surface when air or gas is trapped under the skin, often due to conditions such as subcutaneous emphysema. This can occur when there is air leaking from the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system, often following trauma (e.g., rib fractures or surgery) or infection (e.g., gas gangrene). The crackling sensation felt during palpation of the chest wall is characteristic of crepitus, making this the most appropriate finding in this scenario.
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