Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the practitioner? (Select all that apply)
Use of accessory muscles
Nail bed greater than 160 degrees
Circumoral cyanosis
Pursed lip breathing
Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter of 1:1
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Use of accessory muscles
Explanation: Using accessory muscles during breathing indicates increased effort to breathe, which can be a sign of respiratory distress. It suggests that the client is having difficulty breathing and is using additional muscles to aid in the process. This finding should be reported to the practitioner for further evaluation.
B. Nail bed greater than 160 degrees
Explanation: A nail bed angle greater than 160 degrees, also known as clubbing, is an abnormal finding and can be associated with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. It may indicate insufficient oxygenation and should be reported to the practitioner for evaluation.
C. Circumoral cyanosis
Explanation: Circumoral cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration around the mouth, indicates inadequate oxygenation. It can be a sign of respiratory or cardiac problems and should be reported to the practitioner for further assessment and intervention.
D. Pursed lip breathing
Explanation: Pursed lip breathing is a technique often used by individuals with respiratory difficulties to improve oxygen exchange. However, if it's observed in a person who does not normally use this technique, it could indicate respiratory distress and should be reported to the practitioner for evaluation.
E. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter of 1:1
Explanation: An anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter of 1:1 (also known as barrel chest) is an abnormal finding often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It suggests overinflation of the lungs and can impair effective breathing. This finding should be reported to the practitioner for further evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Wheezes:
Wheezes are continuous, high-pitched, whistling lung sounds that are heard especially during expiration and sometimes during inspiration. They are caused by the rapid movement of air through narrowed or constricted airways, which is common in conditions like asthma. Wheezing is a characteristic adventitious sound associated with asthma and other obstructive respiratory disorders.
B. Whispered Pectoriloquy:
Whispered Pectoriloquy is an increased loudness of whispering noted during auscultation with a stethoscope on the lung fields. This phenomenon occurs when sound is transmitted clearly through consolidated or compressed lung tissue, making whispered sounds more distinct. It is a sign of lung consolidation, often seen in conditions like pneumonia.
C. Bronchial Sounds:
Bronchial sounds are harsh, high-pitched sounds heard over the trachea and the large bronchi. These sounds are normally heard during expiration. If they are heard over peripheral lung areas, it can indicate consolidation or compression of lung tissue, possibly due to pneumonia or tumor.
D. Bronchophony:
Bronchophony is a phenomenon in which spoken sounds are heard more clearly and distinctly through the stethoscope on auscultation of the lungs. Normally, sounds are muffled during auscultation. Increased clarity of spoken sounds can indicate lung consolidation, similar to whispered pectoriloquy, and is often associated with conditions like pneumonia.
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