A mother brings her 3-month-old infant to the clinic for evaluation of a cold. She tells the nurse that he has had "a runny nose for a week." When performing the physical assessment, the nurse notes that the child has nasal flaring and sternal and intercostal retractions. What should the nurse do next?

Perform a complete cardiac assessment because these signs are probably indicative of early heart failure.

Have the mother attempt to bottle feed the infant.

Assure the mother that these signs are normal symptoms of a cold.

Recognize that these are serious signs, and contact the physician.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Perform a complete cardiac assessment because these signs are probably indicative of early heart failure: While congenital heart disease can present with respiratory distress, the presence of nasal flaring and retractions in an infant with a prolonged upper respiratory infection strongly suggests respiratory distress due to a pulmonary cause, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. A cardiac assessment may be necessary, but immediate intervention for respiratory distress is the priority.

B. Have the mother attempt to bottle feed the infant: Infants in respiratory distress often struggle with feeding due to increased work of breathing. Attempting to bottle feed could further compromise oxygenation and increase fatigue, worsening the child's condition.

C. Assure the mother that these signs are normal symptoms of a cold: Nasal flaring and intercostal retractions are signs of increased respiratory effort, indicating significant respiratory distress rather than a mild viral upper respiratory infection. These findings warrant prompt medical evaluation.

D. Recognize that these are serious signs, and contact the physician: Nasal flaring, sternal retractions, and intercostal retractions indicate significant respiratory distress, which can rapidly progress to respiratory failure in infants. Immediate assessment and intervention by a healthcare provider are necessary to ensure appropriate treatment and monitoring.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Top-to-bottom comparison: Systematic progression from top to bottom is important, but it does not ensure direct comparison between corresponding lung fields. Without a side-to-side comparison, asymmetrical lung sounds may go unnoticed, leading to an incomplete assessment.

B. Side-to-side comparison: The correct method for auscultation is to compare lung sounds bilaterally, moving from one side to the other at each level. This approach helps identify asymmetries, such as unilateral crackles, wheezing, or decreased breath sounds, which may indicate conditions like pneumonia, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax. A zigzag pattern from right to left ensures an accurate evaluation of lung symmetry.

C. Posterior-to-anterior comparison: While both anterior and posterior thoracic assessments are necessary, comparing sounds from posterior to anterior does not ensure side-to-side evaluation. Since lung sounds can vary based on body positioning and structure, direct lateral comparisons are essential for detecting differences.

D. Interspace-by-interspace comparison: Although breath sounds should be assessed at each intercostal space, a method focusing only on progressing downward would miss direct left-to-right comparisons. Identifying localized abnormalities requires listening at the same level on both sides before moving downward.

A. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio of 1:1 B. Unequal chest expansion C. Atrophied neck and trapezius muscles D. Increased tactile fremitus

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Anteroposterior-to-transverse diameter ratio of 1:1: In COPD, chronic air trapping leads to hyperinflation of the lungs, causing a "barrel chest" appearance where the anteroposterior (AP) diameter approaches or equals the transverse diameter (1:1 ratio). This is a hallmark physical finding in advanced stages of the disease.

B. Unequal chest expansion: COPD causes diffuse rather than localized lung pathology, leading to generally reduced but symmetrical chest expansion. Unequal expansion is more characteristic of conditions like pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or unilateral lung consolidation.

C. Atrophied neck and trapezius muscles: Patients with COPD often develop hypertrophy of the neck and accessory muscles due to chronic respiratory effort, not atrophy. These muscles become more prominent as they assist with breathing, especially during exacerbations.

D. Increased tactile fremitus: Fremitus is the vibration felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks. In COPD, hyperinflation and air trapping decrease lung density, leading to reduced tactile fremitus. Increased fremitus is typically found in conditions with lung consolidation, such as pneumonia.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is observing the auscultation technique of a student nurse. What is the correct method to use when progressing from one auscultatory site on the thorax to another?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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