The nurse is auscultating the lungs of a sleeping client and hears short, popping, crackling breath sounds that stop after a few breaths. The nurse recognizes that these breath sounds are:
Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause.
Vesicular breath sounds.
Fine wheezes.
Fine crackles and may be a sign of pneumonia.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause:
Atelectatic crackles are short, popping, crackling sounds heard during auscultation. They occur in individuals who are in a supine position and disappear after a few breaths. These crackles are not indicative of any pathological condition; they are common when the lungs are not fully aerated, especially when a person is lying down.
B. Vesicular breath sounds:
Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over the peripheral lung areas. They are soft, low-pitched, and continuous throughout inspiration and part of expiration. Vesicular breath sounds are the typical sounds heard during routine breathing and are not associated with crackling or popping noises.
C. Fine wheezes:
Wheezes are high-pitched whistling sounds heard during expiration. They occur due to narrowed airways and are commonly associated with conditions like asthma or bronchoconstriction. Fine wheezes suggest a partial obstruction in the smaller airways, causing turbulent airflow, leading to the characteristic sound.
D. Fine crackles and may be a sign of pneumonia:
Fine crackles are high-pitched, discontinuous, crackling sounds heard during inspiration. They can occur due to the sudden opening of small airways, and their presence may indicate fluid in the lungs or lung inflammation. Fine crackles are often associated with conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or interstitial lung diseases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Have the client breathe quickly:
This choice is incorrect because having the client breathe quickly is not a technique for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is assessed by feeling vibrations on the chest wall while the patient speaks, not during normal breathing.
B. Palpate the chest symmetrically:
This choice is correct. To assess tactile fremitus, the nurse places the palms or ulnar aspects of both hands firmly against the patient's chest while the patient speaks a phrase. The nurse should palpate the chest symmetrically to detect vibrations equally on both sides, which can help identify abnormalities in the lungs.
C. Ask the client to cough:
This choice is incorrect. Asking the client to cough is not a technique for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is evaluated by feeling vibrations while the patient speaks, not while coughing.
D. Use the bell of the stethoscope:
This choice is incorrect. Tactile fremitus is assessed by palpation, not auscultation with a stethoscope. Using the bell of the stethoscope is a technique for listening to low-pitched sounds, not for assessing tactile fremitus.
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.
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