The nurse is preparing to percuss a client's anterior chest area. Which approach will the nurse use for this assessment?
Begin above the right clavicle and percuss each section, comparing the right chest with the left chest.
Begin at the sternal notch and percuss all areas on the left chest, then all areas on the right chest.
Begin at the sternal notch and percuss all areas on the right chest, then all areas on the left chest.
Begin above the left clavicle and percuss all areas on the left chest, then reverse the process and assess the right chest, moving upward from the liver.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
This approach is recommended as it allows for a systematic comparison between the two sides of the chest. Percussion should start at the apices of the lungs, which are located just above the clavicles, and proceed downwards. This method ensures that any differences in percussion note, which could indicate underlying pathology, are identified by direct comparison.
Choice B Reason:
While this approach also involves a systematic assessment, it does not allow for immediate comparison between the two sides of the chest. It is important to compare corresponding areas on each side as you go to detect any asymmetry or changes in resonance.
Choice C Reason:
This method, similar to choice B, does not facilitate immediate side-to-side comparison during the assessment. Immediate comparison is crucial for identifying subtle differences that may indicate conditions such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
Choice D Reason:
Starting the percussion above the left clavicle and moving to the right chest after completing the left side does not allow for direct comparison of symmetrical chest areas. Additionally, assessing the right chest moving upward from the liver is not a standard practice, as the liver dullness can interfere with the percussion of the lower right lung fields.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
An ophthalmoscope is primarily used for examining the interior structures of the eye, such as the retina, and is not typically used for assessing near vision. It provides a view of the fundus of the eye, which is essential for diagnosing various eye conditions but does not directly assess a patient's reading or close-up vision.
Choice B Reason:
The Snellen Chart is traditionally used to measure distance visual acuity and would not be the first choice for assessing near vision. However, there are versions of the Snellen Chart or similar charts designed for near vision assessment, typically held at a reading distance of about 14 inches from the patient. These charts have rows of letters or symbols that decrease in size and are used to determine the smallest print size a person can read.
Choice C Reason:
A magazine can be a practical tool for assessing near vision informally, as it contains various sizes of print and is a good representation of everyday reading material. The nurse can ask the patient to read a specific paragraph to observe their ability to see and comprehend text at a close distance.
Choice D Reason:
A penlight is not used for assessing near vision. It is typically used to assess the pupillary light reflex or to illuminate specific areas of the eye during an examination. The penlight helps to evaluate the response of the pupils to light but does not measure the patient's ability to read or see objects up close.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Educational Prevention is not a recognized level of prevention in healthcare. While education is a key component in all levels of prevention, it is not a standalone category. Education is typically included in primary prevention as it involves informing the public about health practices to prevent the onset of disease.
Choice b reason:
Tertiary Prevention is the level of prevention that aims to manage and treat an existing disease to prevent further complications or deterioration. In the case of immobile stroke patients, tertiary prevention would involve measures to prevent skin breakdown and other complications associated with immobility and the stroke's long-term effects.
Choice c reason:
Secondary Prevention involves early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. For stroke patients, secondary prevention might include monitoring for signs of skin breakdown so that early treatment can be initiated. However, the scenario described focuses on managing an existing condition rather than early detection.
Choice d reason:
Primary Prevention aims to prevent the disease or injury before it occurs. This would involve strategies to prevent strokes in the first place, such as controlling high blood pressure or encouraging healthy lifestyle changes. It does not directly relate to the prevention of skin breakdown in patients who have already had a stroke.
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