A client presents to the emergency room reporting sudden, sharp pain on the right side of the chest and shortness of breath. The right side of the chest is not moving with inspiration. The client's trachea is deviated towards the left: there is absence tactile fremitus on the right side of the chest. Upon percussion, the nurse hears hyperresonant sound on the right side of the thorax. Upon auscultation, no breath sounds are heard on the right. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?
Asthma.
Pneumothorax.
Atelectasis.
Pneumonia.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Asthma - Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and increased mucus production. It does not typically present with absent breath sounds, deviation of the trachea, or hyperresonant percussion sounds. Wheezing is a common finding in asthma.
Choice B rationale:
Pneumothorax - This is the correct choice. The scenario describes classic signs of a tension pneumothorax, which is a medical emergency. The tracheal deviation, absence of breath sounds, and hyperresonant percussion note on the affected side are indicative of air accumulation in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse and displacement of mediastinal structures.
Choice C rationale:
Atelectasis - Atelectasis refers to the collapse or incomplete expansion of a lung or part of a lung. It can lead to decreased breath sounds on auscultation but does not usually cause tracheal deviation or hyperresonance on percussion. It is not the best fit for the described signs.
Choice D rationale:
Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue that can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and productive sputum. Breath sounds may be diminished over the affected area due to consolidation, but the absence of breath sounds, tracheal deviation, and hyperresonance point more strongly toward a pneumothorax in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lesion is brown and black in color - This choice does not necessarily indicate malignancy. Skin lesions can be various colors, and color alone is not a definitive indicator of malignancy. Therefore, this choice is not a reliable characteristic for assessing a suspected malignant lesion.
Choice B rationale:
Irregular borders - Irregular or uneven borders are a concerning feature of skin lesions that could suggest malignancy. Malignant lesions, such as melanoma, often have irregular, jagged, or poorly defined borders. This choice is accurate in identifying a potential sign of skin cancer.
Choice C rationale:
Symmetrical halves - Symmetry is generally associated with benign lesions, while malignant lesions often have an asymmetric appearance. A lack of symmetry is considered a characteristic of potential malignancy, making this choice appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
Diameter greater than 6 mm - Lesions with a diameter greater than 6 mm are considered a worrisome characteristic for malignancy. While the size alone is not the sole determinant, larger lesions are more likely to be assessed further for malignancy. This choice accurately identifies a significant feature for evaluation.
Choice E rationale:
Regular borders - Regular, smooth borders are generally associated with benign skin lesions. Malignant lesions tend to have irregular, jagged, or uneven borders. Identifying regular borders as a characteristic of a suspected malignant lesion is inaccurate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a component of blood used to replace clotting factors and is typically indicated for specific medical conditions like bleeding disorders or massive transfusions. In this case, the client requires red blood cells due to significant blood loss, so FFP alone is not the appropriate choice.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating an immediate blood transfusion without the client's consent is not ethically appropriate, especially considering the client's religious beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness. Respecting the client's autonomy and religious convictions is important.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to decide about the blood transfusion is the correct course of action. Since the client is able to respond to questions appropriately, they should be informed about their condition, the need for a blood transfusion, and the potential risks and benefits. This respects the client's autonomy while ensuring they have the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the client's family immediately is not the best initial action. While involving the family is important, the client's own decision about the blood transfusion should take precedence, especially when they are conscious and able to make decisions for themselves.
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