The nurse is palpating a client's anterior chest wall and notices a course, crackling sensation over the skin surface. Which of the following should the nurse suspect from her findings?

A. When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed: This statement is accurate. Unequal chest expansion can occur when part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed, preventing the affected area from expanding normally during inhalation.

B. When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present: This statement is not accurate. Unequal chest expansion typically refers to decreased expansion on one side, not bulging of intercostal spaces.

C. In an obese patient: This statement is not accurate. Obesity can affect breathing patterns and lung function, but it is not the primary cause of unequal chest expansion.

D. When accessory muscles are used to augment respiratory effort: This statement is not accurate. The use of accessory muscles to augment respiratory effort can be a sign of respiratory distress, but it doesn't directly cause unequal chest expansion. Unequal expansion is more indicative of specific lung conditions or issues with lung mechanics.

A. Friction rub:

A friction rub is a grating or rubbing sound or sensation heard or felt during auscultation or palpation. It occurs when inflamed pleural or pericardial surfaces rub against each other during breathing or heartbeats, respectively.

B. Tactile fremitus:

Tactile fremitus refers to the palpable vibrations transmitted through the bronchopulmonary tree to the chest wall as the patient speaks. It is assessed by placing hands on the patient's back while the patient speaks certain words. Increased tactile fremitus can occur in conditions with lung consolidation, such as pneumonia.

C. Crepitus:

Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation felt under the skin or heard when the ends of a broken bone rub against each other. It can also occur when air leaks into subcutaneous tissue, leading to a crackling sensation upon palpation.

D. Adventitious sounds:

Adventitious sounds refer to abnormal lung sounds heard during auscultation. These sounds include crackles (rales), wheezes, rhonchi, and pleural friction rubs. Adventitious sounds can indicate various respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma.