A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Pneumonia.

Atelectasis.

Pleural effusion.

Emphysema.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is not likely to be the correct answer. Pneumonia is often characterized by productive cough, fever, chest pain, and increased tactile fremitus due to consolidation of lung tissue. The presence of barrel chest, decreased tactile fremitus, and hyperresonant percussion sounds is not consistent with pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Atelectasis is not the most likely option. Atelectasis refers to collapsed or partially collapsed lung tissue, which can lead to decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus. The symptoms mentioned in the scenario, such as prolonged expiration, wheezes, and barrel chest, are not indicative of atelectasis.

Choice C rationale:

Pleural effusion is not the most suitable choice. Pleural effusion usually presents with decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus over the affected area due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space. The hyperresonant percussion sounds and the presence of wheezes and rhonchi do not align with pleural effusion.

Choice D rationale:

Emphysema is the most likely disorder based on the given symptoms. Barrel chest (increased anterior-posterior chest diameter), limited lung expansion, decreased tactile fremitus, hyperresonant percussion sounds, prolonged expiration, wheezes, and rhonchi are characteristic findings of emphysema. This condition involves damage to the alveoli and their supporting structures, leading to air trapping, reduced lung elasticity, and obstructed airflow. The patient's use of accessory muscles to breathe further suggests a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Decreased tactile fremitus refers to a decreased vibration felt upon palpation of the chest, which might be indicative of conditions such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax. It is not directly associated with a crackling sensation.

Choice B rationale:

Pleural friction fremitus occurs when inflamed pleural surfaces rub against each other during breathing. It typically results in a grating sensation rather than a crackling sensation. It is associated with conditions like pleuritis.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct Choice) Crepitus refers to a crackling or grating sound/sensation that occurs when gas or air accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue. It can indicate a serious condition, such as subcutaneous emphysema, which might result from lung or chest wall injury, infections, or surgery.

Choice D rationale:

Rhonchal fremitus is associated with coarse breath sounds caused by thick secretions in the larger airways. It is felt as vibration during palpation and is not related to crackling sensations.

A. Provide wound irrigation. B. Avoid accidentally removing the drain. C. Gather supplies. D. Provide analgesic medication as ordered by Provider.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Providing wound irrigation might be necessary during the dressing change, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. First, the nurse should ensure they have all the necessary supplies to prevent interruptions during the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

While avoiding accidentally removing the drain is important, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Ensuring that all supplies are gathered and ready will help facilitate a smooth and organized dressing change.

Choice C rationale:

Gathering supplies is the priority in this situation. Having all the needed supplies readily available ensures that the dressing change can be carried out efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Choice D rationale:

Providing analgesic medication as ordered by the provider is important for the patient's comfort during the procedure. However, it should not be the first action the nurse takes. First, the nurse should ensure that they have all the necessary supplies to conduct the dressing change safely.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is examining the chest of a post-operative client. Upon palpation, the nurse notes a crackling sensation. Which of the following conditions would the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient on a Medical-Surgical unit with a wound that has a drain and a dressing that needs changing. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is caring for an elderly patient. Which of the following nursing observations would indicate that the patient is at risk for developing a pressure ulcer?

A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is caring for a client who has a suspected malignant lesion. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect when assessing the lesion? (Select all that apply.).

A Medical-Surgical nurse is teaching a client about the uses of cranberry juice. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse on the Medical-Surgical unit is assessing a patient's wound dressing, and observes a watery light red-pink drainage. The nurse should document this drainage as which of the following?

A nurse is teaching a client's spouse about how to obtain a blood pressure reading. Which of the following actions by the spouse indicates a need for further instruction?

A nurse caring for a client who has an infected wound removes a dressing saturated with blood and purulent drainage. How should the nurse dispose of the dressing material?