Which of the following is true regarding the physiology of an open pneumothorax?
Air cannot pass freely into the thoracic cavity through a chest wound.
The air is trapped when it enters the cavity.
Air moves in and out of a wound in the chest wall.
There are no audible sounds in an open pneumothorax.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Air cannot pass freely into the thoracic cavity through a chest wound is incorrect because air can indeed pass freely into the thoracic cavity through the chest wound in an open pneumothorax.
Choice B Reason:
The air is trapped when it enters the cavity is incorrect because the characteristic feature of an open pneumothorax is that air is not trapped; rather, it enters the thoracic cavity with each inhalation and exits with each exhalation through the chest wound.
Choice C Reason:
Air moves in and out of a wound in the chest wall is correct. In an open pneumothorax, also known as a "sucking chest wound," air can freely move in and out of the thoracic cavity through a wound in the chest wall. This occurs due to the creation of a communication pathway between the external environment and the pleural space, typically caused by a penetrating injury to the chest.
Choice D Reason:
There are no audible sounds in an open pneumothorax is incorrect because in an open pneumothorax, there may be audible sounds associated with the movement of air in and out of the wound, such as a sucking or bubbling sound, depending on the size and location of the wound. These sounds can be clinically significant and aid in the diagnosis of an open pneumothorax.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
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