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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Observing pupil size when focusing on a near object and then a far object is correct. This choice is correct because it directly assesses the pupillary reaction to accommodation, which refers to the changes in pupil size that occur when the eyes shift focus between near and far objects. Observing the pupils while the client focuses on a near object and then a far object allows the nurse to assess how the pupils constrict (become smaller) or dilate (become larger) in response to changes in focus, providing valuable information about the client's accommodation reflex.
Choice B Reason:
Comparing the shape of each of the pupils bilaterally with normal room light is incorrect. While comparing the shape of each pupil bilaterally with normal room light is a valid assessment technique for evaluating pupillary size and symmetry, it does not specifically assess the pupillary reaction to accommodation. Therefore, this choice is not as directly relevant to assessing accommodation reflex as choice A.
Choice C Reason:
Noting the speed of pupil constriction when a penlight is shined into the eye is incorrect. This choice refers to assessing the pupillary light reflex, which involves observing the speed and extent of pupil constriction in response to a bright light stimulus. While this assessment is important for evaluating the pupillary response to light, it does not specifically assess accommodation, which involves changes in pupil size in response to changes in focus between near and far objects. Therefore, this choice is not directly relevant to assessing accommodation reflex.
Choice D Reason:
Determining if dilation of the pupils occurs when the room is darkened is incorrect. This choice involves assessing the pupillary response to changes in ambient light levels, which is known as the pupillary light reflex. While assessing pupil dilation in response to darkness is important for evaluating the pupillary response to changes in light, it does not specifically assess accommodation reflex. Therefore, this choice is not directly relevant to assessing accommodation reflex.

A. Ask about recent abdominal trauma. B. Palpate the area for masses. C. Document the normal finding. D. Observe the midline for scarring.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Ask about recent abdominal trauma: in this case, the depressed umbilicus is a normal finding, so no further action related to trauma assessment is necessary.

Choice B Reason:

Palpate the area for masses: Palpating the area for masses is a good practice during abdominal assessments. However, in the context of a depressed umbilicus, this finding is not indicative of an abnormal mass. Therefore, palpation is not specifically warranted.

Choice C Reason:

Document the normal finding: Correct! A depressed umbilicus that lies below the surface of the abdomen is considered a normal variation. Documenting this finding ensures accurate and comprehensive assessment documentation.

Choice D Reason:

Observe the midline for scarring: While observing the midline for scarring is relevant in some situations (such as assessing for surgical scars), it’s not directly related to the depressed umbilicus. Therefore, this action is not necessary based on the specific finding described.

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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

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

Correct Answer is A

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. What action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When assessing a client's range of motion, the nurse notes crepitation with movement of the left knee. Which information in the client's history is most likely related to this finding?

While auscultating a client's abdomen, the nurse hears a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area. Which is the likely indication of this finding?

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The nurse notes an enlarged, visible lymph node on the client's neck. Which action should the nurse take next?

The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client with pyelonephritis who has urgency and burning while urinating. Which finding indicates an expected response when the nurse percusses the costovertebral angle?

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)?

Which is the best approach for the nurse to use when interviewing a client about alcohol and substance use?