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 B

Explanation

Answer: B. Wandering behavior with flat affect.

Rationale:

A. Ambulatory and disoriented to place:
This documentation suggests that the client is physically able to walk but does not adequately capture the behavioral aspect of the observation. While the client may be ambulatory, merely stating disorientation does not convey the lack of engagement or emotional response, which is crucial in understanding the client's mental state and overall condition.

B. Wandering behavior with flat affect:
This option accurately reflects the observed behavior of the client. "Wandering behavior" captures the aimless walking, while "flat affect" describes the lack of emotional expression indicated by the blank stare. This documentation provides a clearer picture of the client's mental status, which is vital for further assessment and intervention.

C. Appears confused and depressed:
While confusion may be a relevant aspect of the client's condition, this statement lacks specificity regarding the observed behaviors. Depression cannot be accurately concluded from the blank expression alone, as it may not reflect sadness or mood but rather a cognitive or perceptual issue. More objective descriptors would enhance the clarity of the documentation.

D. Demonstrates signs of early dementia:
This option makes a definitive statement about the possibility of early dementia without sufficient evidence from the observation. While aimless walking and a blank expression can be associated with cognitive decline, diagnosing dementia requires comprehensive assessment and evaluation beyond a single observation. This phrasing could mislead healthcare providers regarding the client’s condition and may lead to premature conclusions about the client’s cognitive health.

A. Compare the shape of each of the pupils bilaterally with normal room light. B. Determine if dilation of the pupils occurs when the room is darkened. C. Note the speed of pupil constriction when a penlight is shined into the eye. D. Observe pupil size when focusing on a near object and then a far object.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Compare the shape of each of the pupils bilaterally with normal room light:
Assessing the shape of the pupils with normal room light is not specifically related to assessing pupillary reaction to accommodation. This action may be more relevant for assessing pupillary symmetry and shape, but it does not directly evaluate accommodation.

B) Determine if dilation of the pupils occurs when the room is darkened:
This action assesses the pupillary response to changes in light (pupillary light reflex), not specifically accommodation. While it is an important assessment, it does not target accommodation specifically.

C) Note the speed of pupil constriction when a penlight is shined into the eye:
This action assesses the pupillary light reflex, which involves the constriction of the pupils in response to light. While it is related to pupillary function, it does not specifically evaluate accommodation.

D) Observe pupil size when focusing on a near object and then a far object:
This action directly assesses the pupillary reaction to accommodation. When focusing on a near object, the pupils should constrict (miosis), and when focusing on a far object, the pupils should dilate (mydriasis). This response indicates that the pupils are adapting to changes in focal distance, demonstrating accommodation.

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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

The nurse observes an older adult client walking aimlessly in the hallway and staring straight ahead with a blank expression. How should the nurse enter documentation of this finding in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

To assess a client's pupillary reaction to accommodation, which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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