While percussing the borders of the heart, the nurse picks up an area of dullness beginning at the 5th left intercostal space and moving upward to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. What do these findings indicate?
Expected finding.
Cardiac enlargement.
Benign variation.
Cardiac atrophy.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
B. Cardiac enlargement:
This is the most likely interpretation of the findings. A significant area of dullness across a larger portion of the chest, as described, suggests that the heart is enlarged (cardiomegaly). Enlargement of the heart may result from various conditions, such as heart failure, hypertension, or valvular disease, leading to increased cardiac size and the shift in the percussion borders. This could indicate that the heart has expanded beyond its normal anatomical limits, and further assessment, such as imaging, would be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer: B. Opening a bar soap package.
Rationale:
A) Telephoning a family member:
Using a telephone is considered an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), which involves more complex tasks required for independent living, such as managing communication. While important, it does not directly assess the physical and motor skills required for basic self-care.
B) Opening a bar soap package:
Opening a bar soap package involves fine motor skills and hand coordination, which are necessary for performing basic activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs refer to essential self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming. Being able to open soap indicates the client has the dexterity needed for personal hygiene.
C) Sorting a collection of socks:
Sorting socks is more cognitive than motor-oriented, and it assesses organization skills, which are more aligned with IADLs rather than ADLs. It does not specifically evaluate the client’s ability to perform tasks related to basic self-care.
D) Reading a short paragraph:
Reading a paragraph evaluates literacy or cognitive function but is not directly related to performing ADLs. ADLs focus on physical activities necessary for daily living, such as dressing, eating, or bathing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Hypogastric region:
The hypogastric region, also known as the suprapubic region, is located below the umbilical region and above the pubic area. Pain in the hypogastric region would be lower in the abdomen than described.
B) Epigastric region:
The epigastric region is located in the upper central part of the abdomen, just below the xiphoid process. Pain localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process is described as occurring in the epigastric region.
C) Umbilical region:
The umbilical region is located around the navel (belly button). Pain in this area would be centered around the umbilicus and not higher up near the xiphoid process.
D) Hypochondriac region:
The hypochondriac regions are located on either side of the epigastric region and below the ribcage. Pain in the hypochondriac region would be more lateral and not centrally located below the xiphoid process.
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