A client with a diagnosis of pleural inflammation is admitted to the hospital with respiratory distress. Which type of adventitious lung sounds should the nurse expect to hear upon auscultation?

A. Palpable lymph nodes are assessed through palpation, not inspection. The nurse would use their hands to feel for lymph nodes in areas such as the axilla (armpit) and supraclavicular regions. This is a tactile examination and therefore not documented as part of the inspection.
B. Symmetry refers to the visual observation of whether the breasts are equal in size and shape. During the inspection phase, the nurse notes whether the breasts appear symmetrical or if there are any visible asymmetries.
C. Breast sensitivity is typically assessed through palpation or the client’s report of symptoms rather than through inspection alone. Sensitivity involves asking the client about their experience of pain or discomfort in the breasts, which cannot be observed visually.
D. Tenderness is assessed through palpation, where the nurse would gently press on the breast tissue to determine if the client experiences pain. Tenderness is not a visual finding and therefore is not documented during the inspection phase.

A. This position is often seen in clients with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema. It is called the tripod position and can help the client breathe more easily by expanding the chest and reducing the work of breathing. While this position indicates the client is experiencing difficulty breathing, it is not an immediate emergency but rather a sign of their chronic respiratory condition.

B. Fine crackles (or rales) are abnormal lung sounds that can indicate fluid in the alveoli. In emphysema, crackles are not typical and may suggest a complication such as pulmonary edema or infection.
However, if these crackles are not severe and the client’s overall condition is stable, it may not be the
most urgent issue compared to other findings.
C. A respiratory rate of 9 breaths per minute is considered bradypnea, which is significantly lower than the normal range (12-20 breaths/min). For a client with chronic emphysema on oxygen therapy, bradypnea is a concerning finding because it indicates inadequate respiratory drive and potential respiratory depression.
D. A barrel chest is a common physical finding in clients with chronic emphysema due to chronic air trapping and lung overexpansion. It reflects long-standing changes in the chest structure due to the disease. While it is a notable finding, it is a chronic manifestation of emphysema and not an immediate concern in the context of acute clinical status.