The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment on a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the practitioner?
Clear and equal breath sounds bilaterally
Oxygen saturation of 98% on room air
Cough producing clear, thin sputum
Visible use of accessory muscles during inhalation
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Indicates turbulent blood flow through a valve:
This statement is correct. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound during the heartbeat cycle, often indicating turbulent blood flow through a valve. Murmurs can result from various factors such as valve disorders, structural abnormalities, or other heart conditions.
B. Is an extra sound due to blood entering an inflexible chamber:
This statement is not accurate. Heart murmurs are primarily associated with turbulent blood flow rather than an extra sound related to an inflexible chamber.
C. Means that there is some inflammation around the heart:
This statement is incorrect. Heart murmurs are not specifically related to inflammation around the heart. They are primarily caused by issues with blood flow through the heart valves.
D. Is a high-pitched sound due to a narrow valve:
This statement is a bit oversimplified. While murmurs can sometimes be associated with narrow valves (stenosis), they can also result from various other valve abnormalities or conditions, and not all murmurs are high-pitched. The pitch and characteristics of a murmur can provide clues about its cause, but they are not the sole indicators.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane: This is a normal finding. A healthy tympanic membrane often appears shiny and pearly white.
B. The presence of cerumen: This is a normal finding. Cerumen, or earwax, is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal.
C. The presence of a cone of light: This is a normal finding. The cone of light is a reflection of the otoscope light on the tympanic membrane and is a normal variation.
D. A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane: This is considered an abnormal finding. A yellow or amber coloration of the tympanic membrane can indicate the presence of fluid or infection behind the eardrum, which may be a sign of otitis media or other ear conditions.

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