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 D
Explanation
A. Percussion of the posterior chest: Percussion helps assess the underlying structures of the chest but does not directly confirm symmetric chest expansion.
B. Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall: Inspection is a crucial part of assessing chest symmetry. Any deformities, asymmetry, or abnormalities in the shape and configuration of the chest wall can be visually identified.
C. Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine": This technique, known as tactile fremitus, involves feeling for vibrations or tremors while the client repeats a phrase. While it can provide information about underlying lung conditions, it's not primarily used to confirm symmetric chest expansion.
D. Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10: This technique, known as chest expansion measurement, is used to assess symmetric chest expansion. Placing hands in this manner allows the nurse to feel for bilateral chest expansion during inspiration, ensuring that both sides of the chest expand symmetrically.
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