While percussing the abdomen of an adult male client, the nurse encounters a musical high-pitched sound. Which does this finding indicate?
Soft tissue.
Gas.
Intestinal mass.
Full bladder.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Soft tissue, such as the liver or spleen, typically produces a dull sound on percussion, not a high- pitched musical sound. Soft tissue is more associated with a dullness because it is denser compared to the surrounding air or fluids.
B. Gas in the gastrointestinal tract often produces a musical or high-pitched sound on percussion, known as tympany. This sound occurs because gas is less dense than other abdominal contents and resonates with a high pitch. Tympany is the most common sound heard when percussing over the stomach and intestines.
C. An intestinal mass, depending on its size and location, may produce a dull or a combination of dull and tympanic sounds. However, it is not typically associated with a high-pitched musical sound. Percussion over an intestinal mass would likely be dull rather than musical.
D. A full bladder typically produces a dull sound on percussion, not a musical high-pitched sound. A dull sound indicates the presence of a solid or fluid-filled structure, such as a full bladder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The numeric pain intensity scale is a direct and effective method to assess the level of pain a patient is experiencing. If a client is splinting their chest, it’s essential to evaluate their pain level to determine the severity and guide appropriate pain management strategies. This is likely the most relevant and immediate follow-up assessment in this scenario.
B. An apical-radial pulse deficit measures the difference between the apical pulse (heart rate auscultated at the apex of the heart) and the radial pulse (heart rate palpated at the wrist). This assessment is used to detect conditions such as atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias and is not directly related to the client’s chest splinting. Therefore, it is not the most relevant follow-up assessment in this context.
C. The anteroposterior (AP) chest diameter assessment is used to evaluate conditions such as barrel chest, which can be associated with chronic respiratory conditions. While this measurement can be important for assessing chronic respiratory issues, it is not directly related to the immediate concern of chest splinting, which is more likely associated with acute pain or discomfort.
D. Measuring body temperature is important for assessing the presence of fever or infection, but it does not directly address the client’s immediate complaint of chest pain or discomfort. While an elevated temperature might be relevant if an infection is suspected, it is not the most direct or immediate follow- up assessment for the observed behavior of splinting the chest.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lymph nodes that feel ropey and rubbery might indicate chronic inflammation or fibrosis. This texture is not typically considered normal. In elderly clients, lymph nodes may become less palpable due to age- related changes, but they should not feel ropey or rubbery. If lymph nodes feel this way, it may warrant further investigation to rule out pathological conditions.
B. In elderly clients, axillary lymph nodes may feel softer and less defined due to fatty tissue changes associated with aging. However, "soft and fatty" should be interpreted cautiously. While some degree of change is normal, nodes should not be excessively soft, nor should they have an abnormal appearance. The key is that they should not be hard, fixed, or tender, which would be indicative of pathology.
C. Enlarged and warm inguinal lymph nodes suggest infection or inflammation rather than a normal finding. In the elderly, while lymph nodes can sometimes be palpable, they should not be enlarged or warm, as this could indicate an underlying condition or infection that requires further evaluation.
D. It is normal for lymph nodes to be non-palpable in many individuals, including older adults. Age- related changes can cause lymph nodes to be less prominent or difficult to palpate. If lymph nodes are non-palpable, it usually means they are not enlarged or abnormal, which is a normal finding, especially if the client is not experiencing any symptoms of infection or other related issues.
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