A male client arrives at the clinic for follow-up health assessment after recent antibiotic treatment for pneumonia without hospitalization. Which technique should the nurse implement to assess for adventitious lung sounds?
Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field.
Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes.
Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm.
Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for hearing high-pitched sounds, such as breath sounds, including adventitious lung sounds like crackles, wheezes, and rhonchi. Pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin ensures optimal transmission of these sounds, allowing for accurate assessment of the client's lung condition.
B) Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes: The bell of the stethoscope is designed to pick up low-pitched sounds and is typically used for heart sounds and vascular sounds. It is not the best choice for auscultating breath sounds in the lungs, which are better heard with the diaphragm.
C) Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm: While chest hair can sometimes cause distortion, it is generally not necessary to shave the chest. Instead, pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin can help minimize interference from chest hair. If needed, the nurse can also moisten the chest hair to reduce the sound interference.
D) Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest: Although certain positions can aid in auscultation, lying flat is not always necessary and can be uncomfortable for clients with respiratory issues. Sitting up or in a semi-recumbent position is generally more comfortable and effective for assessing lung sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Number of blood clots expelled with each stool:
While the number of blood clots expelled with each stool may be relevant in assessing the severity of bleeding, it does not provide as much information about the potential underlying causes of bleeding as documenting the color characteristics of the stool does. Therefore, although it may be noted, it is not the most crucial aspect to document initially.
B. Evidence of internal hemorrhoids:
Documenting evidence of internal hemorrhoids is important in assessing rectal bleeding, but it is not as fundamental as documenting the color characteristics of the stool. Internal hemorrhoids can be one potential cause of rectal bleeding, but other more serious conditions may also cause bleeding, so a comprehensive assessment of the stool is necessary.
C. Unique odor noted with gastrointestinal bleeding:
While gastrointestinal bleeding may have a distinct odor, documenting this alone does not provide as much diagnostic information as describing the color characteristics of the stool. Documenting odor may be important in some cases, but it is not as critical as documenting the color of the stool, which can help identify potential causes of bleeding.
D. Color characteristics of each stool:
When evaluating rectal bleeding, documenting the color characteristics of each stool is crucial. Different colors of stool can indicate various underlying causes of bleeding. Bright red blood typically suggests lower gastrointestinal bleeding, while darker, tarry stools (melena) may indicate bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract. Describing the color, consistency, and presence of any abnormal substances in the stool helps healthcare providers assess the severity and potential causes of the bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Review the client’s serum electrolyte:
While electrolyte imbalances can cause various neurological symptoms, including paresthesia, reviewing serum electrolytes may not directly identify additional findings consistent with the client's paresthesia. It is essential to assess electrolytes for overall health status but may not immediately address the client's reported symptoms.
B) Check distal phalanges capillary refill:
Assessing capillary refill is important for evaluating peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion, but it may not provide direct information about the client's paresthesia. Capillary refill primarily assesses vascular function rather than neurological symptoms like paresthesia.
C) Observe skin for erythema, edema, and warmth:
Observing the skin for signs of inflammation, such as erythema, edema, and warmth, is essential for assessing possible causes of paresthesia, such as inflammation or injury. However, it may not directly identify additional findings consistent with the client's reported paresthesia.
D) Evaluate client's muscle strength and hand grips:
Assessing muscle strength and hand grips can provide valuable information about neurological function and may reveal additional findings consistent with the client's paresthesia. Weakness or changes in muscle strength may accompany paresthesia, indicating potential neurological involvement. Therefore, evaluating muscle strength and hand grips is a crucial action to assess the extent and impact of the client's symptoms.
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