A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is performing an assessment on a client who has COPD with emphysema. The client reports that he has a frequent wet cough and is occasionally short-of-breath. The nurse should anticipate which of the following assessment findings for this client?
Petechiae on the chest.
Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.
Oxygen saturation level 96%.
Respiratory alkalosis.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Requiring the child to be free from nits before returning to school might not be an accurate understanding of the situation. Nits are the eggs of head lice and may remain attached to the hair even after effective treatment. The presence of live lice is a more crucial factor to consider.
Choice B rationale:
Throwing out toys that can't be dry cleaned or washed is an unnecessary and extreme measure. Head lice do not survive long away from the human scalp, so the risk of transmission through inanimate objects like toys is minimal. Thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming the environment is more effective.
Choice C rationale:
Treating all family members is indeed a prudent approach. Head lice can spread easily within households, especially among close contacts. Treating everyone helps prevent re-infestation and disrupts the lice life cycle.
Choice D rationale:
Washing recently used clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water is a correct understanding of how to manage head lice. The high temperature kills lice and their eggs. It is an essential step in preventing the spread of lice and re-infestation.
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