A nurse in an emergency department (ED) is admitting a client. Select 3 findings in the client's medical record that may be indicative of bronchitis.
temperature
complaint of fatigue
respiratory assessment
use of accessory muscles
blood pressure
bowel sounds
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A. An elevated temperature is often associated with infections and inflammation, including bronchitis. While a temperature of 99°F is slightly above normal and may indicate a mild fever, it is not a primary hallmark of bronchitis but rather a common response to infection or inflammation.
B. Fatigue is a general symptom that can accompany many conditions, including bronchitis. It is related to the overall feeling of being unwell and is not specific to bronchitis. While fatigue can be present, it is not a definitive sign of bronchitis on its own.
C. This includes findings such as bronchial breath sounds and rhonchi (a type of coarse, rattling sound) noted in the right lower lobe, which are indicative of bronchitis. The presence of rhonchi and bronchial breath sounds suggest inflammation and mucus in the airways, characteristic of bronchitis.
D. The use of accessory muscles for breathing is a sign of respiratory distress, which can occur in bronchitis when the airways are inflamed and obstructed. This finding is consistent with bronchitis as it reflects the increased effort required to breathe due to airway inflammation and mucus production.
E. The blood pressure reading of 110/54 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not provide specific information about bronchitis. Blood pressure is not typically a primary indicator for diagnosing bronchitis.
F. Bowel sounds are related to gastrointestinal function and do not provide information specific to bronchitis. Active bowel sounds are normal and do not help in diagnosing bronchitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Assessing the client’s respirations is crucial in evaluating their respiratory status. This includes
checking the rate, rhythm, depth, and effort of breathing. Given the client’s symptoms of cough and lung congestion, it's important to assess whether there are any signs of respiratory distress or abnormal breathing patterns.
B. Auscultating lung sounds is essential to identify any abnormal lung sounds such as wheezes, crackles, or rhonchi. This helps in evaluating the presence and severity of lung congestion and can provide insights into the underlying cause of the client's symptoms.
C. While assessing peripheral pulses is important in a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, it is not directly related to evaluating symptoms of a cold, cough, or lung congestion. The focus of the assessment for these specific symptoms would be more on the respiratory system.
D. Checking the client’s temperature is important because a fever may indicate an infection or inflammation, which can be associated with the symptoms of a cold or lung congestion. This helps in assessing the overall systemic response to the infection.
E. A musculoskeletal and neurological examination is not directly relevant to assessing symptoms related to a cold, cough, or lung congestion. These exams are more appropriate for evaluating physical function and neurological status, which are not the primary concerns in this scenario.
F. While family history can provide valuable context for some conditions, it is not the immediate focus for evaluating current symptoms like a cold, cough, or lung congestion. The priority should be on the present symptoms and their immediate effects on the client’s health.
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