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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Neurological status intact: While the findings suggest that the client's neurological status is intact, this description does not specifically address the pupillary assessment.

B) Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15: The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates a client's level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. While the findings may contribute to an overall assessment of neurological function, they specifically pertain to pupillary assessment.

C) Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA): This description includes accommodation, which is the ability of the pupils to constrict when focusing on a near object. The assessment provided in the scenario does not mention accommodation testing, so including it in the documentation would be inaccurate.

D) Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL): This notation accurately summarizes the findings of the pupillary assessment. It indicates that both pupils are equal in size, round in shape, and react briskly to light, which is a normal finding. This documentation is concise and specific to the pupillary examination without including additional findings not assessed in the scenario.

A. Number of blood clots expelled with each stool. B. Evidence of internal hemorrhoids. C. Unique odor noted with gastrointestinal bleeding. D. Color characteristics of each stool.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Number of blood clots expelled with each stool:
While the number of blood clots expelled with each stool may be relevant in assessing the severity of bleeding, it does not provide as much information about the potential underlying causes of bleeding as documenting the color characteristics of the stool does. Therefore, although it may be noted, it is not the most crucial aspect to document initially.

B. Evidence of internal hemorrhoids:
Documenting evidence of internal hemorrhoids is important in assessing rectal bleeding, but it is not as fundamental as documenting the color characteristics of the stool. Internal hemorrhoids can be one potential cause of rectal bleeding, but other more serious conditions may also cause bleeding, so a comprehensive assessment of the stool is necessary.

C. Unique odor noted with gastrointestinal bleeding:
While gastrointestinal bleeding may have a distinct odor, documenting this alone does not provide as much diagnostic information as describing the color characteristics of the stool. Documenting odor may be important in some cases, but it is not as critical as documenting the color of the stool, which can help identify potential causes of bleeding.

D. Color characteristics of each stool:
When evaluating rectal bleeding, documenting the color characteristics of each stool is crucial. Different colors of stool can indicate various underlying causes of bleeding. Bright red blood typically suggests lower gastrointestinal bleeding, while darker, tarry stools (melena) may indicate bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract. Describing the color, consistency, and presence of any abnormal substances in the stool helps healthcare providers assess the severity and potential causes of the bleeding.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When evaluating a client's rectal bleeding, which findings should the nurse document?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During assessment of a client's abdomen, the nurse observes that the client's umbilicus is depressed and below the surface of the abdomen. Which action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

When systematically auscultating a client's anterior breath sounds, the nurse should begin by placing the stethoscope over which location?

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To objectively confirm the presence of fever, before taking the client's temperature, which action should the nurse take?

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