A patient arrives in the ED after an automobile accident. Which of the following clinical manifestations leads the nurse to suspect a pneumothorax? (Select all that apply)
(Select All that Apply.)
Pulse oximetry 98%
Diminished breath sounds over painful chest area
Respiratory rate 34
ABG pH level of 7.38
Asymmetrical chest movements, especially on inspiration
Correct Answer : B,C,E
A. Pulse oximetry 98%: A pulse oximetry reading of 98% indicates adequate oxygen saturation, which does not strongly suggest a pneumothorax. Patients with a pneumothorax may have lower oxygen saturation levels, but this reading alone is not indicative of the condition.
B. Diminished breath sounds over painful chest area: Diminished breath sounds are a significant clinical manifestation of pneumothorax, as air in the pleural space prevents normal lung expansion and decreases airflow to the affected side.
C. Respiratory rate 34: An elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea) is often observed in patients with pneumothorax as they may struggle to breathe effectively. This clinical manifestation indicates respiratory distress and is consistent with the condition.
D. ABG pH level of 7.38: A pH level of 7.38 indicates acidosis, which may occur in cases of pneumothorax due to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress. This abnormal finding on arterial blood gases supports the suspicion of pneumothorax.
E. Asymmetrical chest movements, especially on inspiration: Asymmetrical chest movements are a classic sign of pneumothorax, where the affected lung does not expand as fully as the unaffected lung during inspiration, leading to visible differences in chest wall movement.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hospital-acquired pneumonia: Pneumonia that develops 48 hours or more after hospital admission is classified as hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). It is caused by pathogens acquired in the hospital setting, often involving multidrug-resistant organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Patients who are intubated, have prolonged hospital stays, or have weakened immune defenses are at higher risk.
B. Immunocompromised pneumonia: Pneumonia in immunocompromised patients occurs due to weakened host defenses, such as in individuals with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, or transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy. While these patients can develop HAP, pneumonia due to opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis jirovecii or fungal infections is categorized separately.
C. Community-acquired pneumonia: Pneumonia acquired outside the hospital or within the first 48 hours of admission is classified as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Typical pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. CAP is usually less resistant to antibiotics compared to HAP.
D. Viral pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by viral pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or SARS-CoV-2 is classified based on the causative agent rather than the setting in which it was acquired. Although viruses can cause both CAP and HAP, the classification of pneumonia is determined by the timing of onset and exposure risks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bradycardia: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical clinical manifestation of pleural effusion with empyema. In fact, fever and infection usually lead to tachycardia (an increased heart rate) as the body attempts to respond to infection.
B. Pleural pain: Pleural pain is a common symptom associated with pleural effusion and empyema, resulting from irritation of the pleura due to inflammation or infection.
C. Cough: A cough can occur with pleural effusion and empyema, often as a response to irritation or pressure in the thoracic cavity. It may also be associated with underlying lung conditions contributing to the effusion.
D. Fever: Fever is a typical clinical manifestation of empyema, indicating an infectious process. The presence of infection in the pleural space often results in systemic signs of infection, such as fever.
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