During an admission assessment, which approach should the nurse use to assess a client's speech patterns?

A) Ask the client to complete a common proverb or saying:
While completing a common proverb or saying can provide some insight into speech patterns, it may not offer a comprehensive assessment of the client's speech abilities. Additionally, the client's familiarity with specific proverbs or sayings could influence their performance.

B) Have the client repeat a phrase containing alliteration:
Having the client repeat a phrase containing alliteration can assess specific aspects of speech, such as articulation and fluency. However, it may not provide a holistic assessment of speech patterns and may not be suitable for all clients.

C) Note the client's responses during the initial interview:
This approach allows the nurse to observe the client's spontaneous speech patterns, including articulation, fluency, rate, and coherence, during the natural flow of conversation. It provides a comprehensive assessment of speech abilities in various contexts.

D) Listen while the client reads items listed on the menu:
While listening to the client read items on a menu can assess reading ability and pronunciation, it may not fully capture speech patterns in spontaneous conversation or communication. Additionally, it may not be relevant to clients who may have difficulty reading or have limited literacy skills.

A) Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for hearing high-pitched sounds, such as breath sounds, including adventitious lung sounds like crackles, wheezes, and rhonchi. Pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin ensures optimal transmission of these sounds, allowing for accurate assessment of the client's lung condition.

B) Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes: The bell of the stethoscope is designed to pick up low-pitched sounds and is typically used for heart sounds and vascular sounds. It is not the best choice for auscultating breath sounds in the lungs, which are better heard with the diaphragm.

C) Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm: While chest hair can sometimes cause distortion, it is generally not necessary to shave the chest. Instead, pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin can help minimize interference from chest hair. If needed, the nurse can also moisten the chest hair to reduce the sound interference.

D) Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest: Although certain positions can aid in auscultation, lying flat is not always necessary and can be uncomfortable for clients with respiratory issues. Sitting up or in a semi-recumbent position is generally more comfortable and effective for assessing lung sounds.