The nurse is doing an examination of a client's anterior thorax. The nurse recognizes that the trachea bifurcates anteriorly at the:

Xiphoid process.

Suprasternal notch.

Sternal angle.

Costal angle.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Xiphoid process:

The xiphoid process is a small, cartilaginous extension at the inferior end of the sternum (breastbone). It does not play a role in the bifurcation of the trachea.

B. Suprasternal notch:

The suprasternal notch, also known as the fossa jugularis sternalis or jugular notch, is the visible dip in the superior part of the manubrium of the sternum between the clavicular notches. It is an important anatomical landmark for assessing the position of the trachea during emergency situations but is not the location of tracheal bifurcation.

C. Sternal angle (Angle of Louis):

The sternal angle, or Angle of Louis, is a palpable notch located at the articulation of the manubrium and the body of the sternum. It is where the second rib attaches and serves as a useful reference point for counting ribs and locating internal structures like the tracheal bifurcation.

D. Costal angle:

The costal angle is the acute angle formed by the junction of the costal margins at the xiphoid process. It is not related to the tracheal bifurcation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Wheezing: Wheezing is a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound usually heard during expiration. It is often associated with narrowed airways, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing occurs due to the turbulent airflow through narrowed bronchi or bronchioles and is not typically associated with pleuritis.

B. Friction rub: Pleuritis, or inflammation of the pleura, can cause a friction rub. This sound occurs when the inflamed pleural layers rub against each other during breathing. It's a grating or rubbing sound heard on auscultation and is a hallmark sign of pleuritis.

C. Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration and sometimes expiration. It is often a sign of upper airway obstruction, such as in croup or anaphylaxis. Stridor results from turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed or narrowed larynx or trachea.

D. Crackles: Crackles, also known as rales, are brief, discontinuous, popping sounds heard on inspiration. They can be fine or coarse and are often associated with conditions that cause fluid or secretions in the alveoli or small airways, such as pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically associated with pleuritis.

A. Bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location. B. Normally auscultated over the trachea. C. Vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location. D. Bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location:

Bronchovesicular breath sounds are medium-pitched sounds heard over the major bronchi and are usually equal on inspiration and expiration. They are typically heard in the 1st and 2nd intercostal spaces anteriorly and between the scapulae posteriorly. While they might be normal in certain locations, hearing them over peripheral lung fields might indicate an abnormality.

B. Normally auscultated over the trachea:

This statement doesn't specify a particular type of breath sound. Tracheal breath sounds are harsh and relatively high-pitched, heard directly over the trachea. They are normal over the trachea but are not normally heard in the lung periphery.

C. Vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location:

Vesicular breath sounds are low-pitched, soft sounds heard over most of the lungs during inspiration. They are longer on inspiration than expiration and are considered normal breath sounds heard in the peripheral lung fields. Hearing vesicular sounds in the posterior lower lobes is typical and indicates normal lung function.

D. Bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location:

Bronchial breath sounds are high-pitched and loud, heard primarily over the trachea and larynx. If heard in the peripheral lung fields, especially in the lower lobes, it can suggest an abnormality such as consolidation or compression of lung tissue.

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The nurse is doing an examination of a client's anterior thorax. The nurse recognizes that the trachea bifurcates anteriorly at the:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with pleuritis has been admitted to the hospital and complains of pain with breathing. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect when auscultating a client with pleuritis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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