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 atrophy.

Benign variation.

Cardiac enlargement.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:
Expected finding is incorrect. While some degree of dullness is expected during percussion of the heart borders due to the presence of solid cardiac tissue, the specific pattern described in the scenario, extending from the 5th left intercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border, suggests an abnormality rather than an expected finding.
Choice B Reason:
Cardiac atrophy is incorrect. Cardiac atrophy refers to a decrease in the size or mass of the heart muscle, resulting in a smaller than normal heart. However, the described findings indicate dullness extending upward, suggesting an enlargement rather than atrophy of the heart.
Choice C Reason:
Benign variation is incorrect. Benign variations in cardiac percussion findings are less likely to produce a pattern of dullness extending from the 5th left intercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. This pattern is more indicative of cardiac enlargement or pathology rather than a benign variation.
Choice D Reason:
Cardiac enlargement is correct. During percussion of the heart borders, dullness indicates solid tissue, such as the heart. The area of dullness extending from the 5th left intercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border suggests an enlargement of the cardiac silhouette. This enlargement could be due to various cardiac conditions, such as cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), left ventricular hypertrophy, or other structural abnormalities affecting the heart.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Testing feet for a positive Babinski reflex is wrong. The Babinski reflex is a neurological test that assesses upper motor neuron function, particularly in the lower extremities. However, it is not relevant to assessing cold feet, and testing for the Babinski reflex would not provide useful information in this situation.
Choice B Reason:
Observing color of the feet and toes is wright. Observing the color of the feet and toes can provide important information about circulation. Pallor, cyanosis, or mottling may indicate inadequate blood flow or perfusion to the extremities, which could contribute to cold feet.
Choice C Reason:
Measuring skin elasticity around the ankles is wrong. Skin elasticity assessment is more relevant for evaluating hydration status or tissue turgor. While it may be useful in certain contexts, it is not directly related to assessing cold feet and peripheral circulation. Therefore, it is not necessary before covering the client's feet in this scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Assessing volume of the pedal pulses is wright. Assessing the volume of the pedal pulses (such as dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses) provides information about peripheral vascular status. Weak or absent pulses may indicate compromised circulation, contributing to cold feet.
Choice E Reason:
Palpating dorsal surface of feet for warmth is wright. palpating the dorsal surface of the feet for warmth helps assess peripheral perfusion. Coolness to touch may indicate decreased blood flow to the extremities, while warmth suggests adequate circulation.

A. Stand directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss. B. Obtain a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests. C. Begin to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room. D. Perform a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Standing directly in front of the client and ask about any hearing loss is appropriate because the client's behavior of ignoring questions from the nurse and speaking loudly to her son suggests a potential hearing impairment. Standing directly in front of the client allows for better visibility of facial expressions and lip movements, which can aid in communication for individuals with hearing loss. Asking about any hearing loss helps the nurse gather important information to adapt communication strategies effectively.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a tuning fork to complete Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests involves conducting hearing tests using a tuning fork to assess for conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. While these tests are valuable for diagnosing hearing impairments, they are typically performed after obtaining a thorough history and initial assessment, including asking about any hearing loss. Therefore, this option is not the first action to take when communication difficulties are observed.
Choice C Reason:
Beginning to orient the client to her surroundings in the hospital room involves providing orientation to the client about her surroundings, which is important for promoting comfort and reducing anxiety, especially in a new environment like a hospital room. However, addressing potential hearing loss is the priority when the client's behavior suggests difficulty in communication. Once hearing impairment is ruled out or addressed, orientation to the surroundings can be initiated.
Choice D Reason:
Performing a mental status exam to assess the client's thought processes involves assessing the client's cognitive function and thought processes, which is important for understanding the client's overall mental status. While assessing mental status is an essential aspect of comprehensive nursing assessment, it may not directly address the observed communication difficulties related to potential hearing impairment. Therefore, addressing potential hearing loss should be the first action to ensure effective communication before proceeding with a mental status exam.

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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

An older male client reports to the nurse that his feet are cold. Before covering the client's feet, which assessment(s) should the nurse complete? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

While interviewing a newly admitted older female client, the nurse observes that the client ignores questions asked by the nurse, and speaks loudly to her son who brought her to the hospital. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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