The nurse is assessing the symmetry of the client's chest. The nurse recognizes that a client's symmetric expansion of the chest is best confirmed by:
Percussion of the posterior chest
Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall
Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety nine"
Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10
The Correct Answer is D
A. Percussion of the posterior chest: Percussion helps assess the underlying structures of the chest but does not directly confirm symmetric chest expansion.
B. Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall: Inspection is a crucial part of assessing chest symmetry. Any deformities, asymmetry, or abnormalities in the shape and configuration of the chest wall can be visually identified.
C. Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine": This technique, known as tactile fremitus, involves feeling for vibrations or tremors while the client repeats a phrase. While it can provide information about underlying lung conditions, it's not primarily used to confirm symmetric chest expansion.
D. Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10: This technique, known as chest expansion measurement, is used to assess symmetric chest expansion. Placing hands in this manner allows the nurse to feel for bilateral chest expansion during inspiration, ensuring that both sides of the chest expand symmetrically.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Clear and equal breath sounds bilaterally
Explanation: Clear and equal breath sounds bilaterally indicate normal lung sounds, suggesting proper air exchange in both lungs. This is a normal finding and does not require immediate reporting.
B. Oxygen saturation of 98% on room air
Explanation: An oxygen saturation level of 98% on room air indicates adequate oxygenation of the blood. This is a normal and healthy oxygen saturation level and does not require immediate reporting.
C. Cough producing clear, thin sputum
Explanation: A cough producing clear, thin sputum is indicative of a non-infected or non-inflammatory condition in the respiratory system. Clear and thin sputum is often normal, especially in the absence of other symptoms. It does not require immediate reporting unless the client has other concerning symptoms.
D. Visible use of accessory muscles during inhalation
Explanation: Visible use of accessory muscles, such as neck or intercostal muscles, during inhalation suggests that the client is working hard to breathe. This could indicate respiratory distress, potentially due to conditions like asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), or other severe lung problems. It's a concerning sign and should be reported to the healthcare practitioner promptly for further evaluation and intervention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Perform the confrontation test:
The confrontation test is a basic visual field screening test. It assesses the peripheral vision by having the patient cover one eye and the examiner covers the opposite eye. The patient and the examiner then bring their fingers into the visual field from the periphery, and the patient indicates when they see the fingers.
B. Ask the patient to read the print on a handheld Jaeger card:
Jaeger cards are used for near vision testing. The patient reads progressively smaller print to assess their near vision acuity.
C. Determine the patient's ability to read newsprint at a distance of 12 to 14 inches:
This method assesses near vision. It is often used informally in clinical settings, where the patient is asked to read a newspaper or similar print at a comfortable reading distance.
D. Use the Snellen chart positioned 20 feet away from the patient:
The Snellen chart is a standardized chart used for visual acuity testing. It is placed 20 feet away from the patient, and the patient is asked to read the letters or symbols on the chart with one eye covered at a time.
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