During a routine physical examination of a client, chest palpation is determined to be normal except for a 2 inch (5.1 cm) diameter area of crepitus over the upper right anterior chest. Which interpretation is the most accurate for this finding?
Trapped subcutaneous air causing crepitus will be absorbed, so the finding is not significant.
Since this client has only a small area of crepitus, it probably is not a significant finding.
Crepitus is always abnormal and should be followed-up with a more detailed assessment.
Since a fractured rib often creates crepitus, a chest x-ray should be scheduled immediately.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Trapped subcutaneous air causing crepitus will be absorbed, so the finding is not significant. While trapped air can be absorbed, crepitus can indicate underlying issues such as a pneumothorax or other trauma, so it should not be dismissed as insignificant.
B. Since this client has only a small area of crepitus, it probably is not a significant finding. The size of the area does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the underlying condition. Even a small area of crepitus should be investigated.
C. Crepitus is always abnormal and should be followed-up with a more detailed assessment. This is the most accurate interpretation. Crepitus indicates the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues, which is always abnormal and warrants further investigation.
D. Since a fractured rib often creates crepitus, a chest x-ray should be scheduled immediately. While a chest x-ray can be part of the assessment, stating that a fractured rib "often" creates crepitus might be misleading. Crepitus can arise from other conditions, and a thorough assessment is needed before determining the exact cause.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fetal growth and gestational age. Ultrasound during pregnancy is commonly used to assess fetal growth, development, and gestational age. It allows healthcare providers to monitor the health and progress of the pregnancy, as well as detect any potential issues or abnormalities.
B. Lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio. This ratio is typically assessed in amniotic fluid samples to predict fetal lung maturity, but it's not the primary reason for a routine ultrasound during pregnancy.
C. Chromosomal abnormalities. While some prenatal screening tests, such as nuchal translucency ultrasound or cell-free DNA testing, can help assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, a routine ultrasound is not primarily conducted for this purpose.
D. Sex and size of the infant. While ultrasound can reveal the sex of the baby and provide estimates of fetal size, these are secondary to the primary goal of assessing fetal growth and gestational age.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Explaining the exam: Preschool-aged children might not fully understand the need for an exam, and this might not alleviate their anxiety.
B. Talking to parent and focusing on toy: This strategy prioritizes calming the child first. Talking to the parent helps gather information while the nurse gradually gains the child's trust by acknowledging their toy. This can create a more positive and collaborative environment.
C. Completing assessment while crying: This can be stressful for the child and might hinder an accurate assessment.
D. Requesting extra staff: While additional support might be helpful, the initial approach should focus on building rapport with the child.
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