A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and signs of central cyanosis. Which of the following is a reliable indicator of cyanosis?

Oral mucosa

Tip of the nose

Ear lobes

Eye lids

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Oral mucosa:

The oral mucosa, including the inside of the mouth, tongue, and lips, is a reliable indicator of cyanosis. Cyanosis appears as a bluish discoloration of these tissues due to decreased oxygen saturation in the arterial blood. Assessing the oral mucosa is an essential component of clinical examination, especially in patients with respiratory conditions like asthma, as it provides valuable information about oxygenation status.

B. Tip of the nose:

While the tip of the nose may exhibit cyanosis in some cases, it is not considered as reliable of an indicator as the oral mucosa. The nasal tip is more susceptible to external factors such as cold temperatures or poor circulation, which can cause temporary discoloration. Therefore, it may not always accurately reflect the oxygenation status of the patient compared to the oral mucosa.

C. Ear lobes:

Cyanosis may be observed in the ear lobes in cases of severe hypoxemia, but it is not as reliable of an indicator as the oral mucosa. The ear lobes are less commonly assessed for cyanosis compared to other areas such as the lips, nail beds, or oral mucosa. While cyanosis may be present in the ear lobes, it is not typically the primary site assessed for oxygenation status.

D. Eyelids:

Cyanosis is not typically observed in the eyelids and is not considered a reliable indicator of hypoxemia. The eyelids are not commonly assessed for cyanosis during clinical examinations. While the conjunctiva (the lining inside the eyelids) may appear pale in cases of severe anemia, it is not a specific sign of hypoxemia. Assessment of the oral mucosa, lips, and nail beds is preferred for evaluating oxygenation status in patients with respiratory conditions like asthma.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Expiratory wheeze

Expiratory wheeze is a high-pitched, musical sound heard primarily during expiration. It occurs when air passes through narrowed airways due to bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and increased mucus production, which are characteristic features of an acute asthma exacerbation. Expiratory wheezes are commonly heard upon auscultation of the chest in individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations.

B. Pleural friction rub

Pleural friction rub is a dry, crackling or grating sound heard during both inspiration and expiration. It typically occurs when the inflamed pleural surfaces rub against each other during breathing. Pleural friction rub is associated with conditions such as pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) or pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleural space), rather than asthma exacerbations.

C. Fine rales

Fine rales, also known as fine crackles, are brief, high-pitched, discontinuous sounds heard primarily during inspiration. They are typically associated with conditions involving the small airways and alveoli, such as pulmonary fibrosis or congestive heart failure. Fine rales are not commonly heard in asthma exacerbations.

D. Rhonchi

Rhonchi are low-pitched, snoring or rattling sounds heard primarily during expiration. They result from the passage of air through airways obstructed by thick mucus or secretions. While rhonchi may be heard in individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations, they are less characteristic than expiratory wheezes, which are more commonly associated with asthma exacerbations. Rhonchi are often associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia.

A. Pigeon B. Funnel C. Kyphotic D. Barrel

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Pigeon

A pigeon chest, also known as pectus carinatum, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs, resulting in a pigeon-like appearance of the chest. This deformity is not typically associated with COPD.

B. Funnel

A funnel chest, also known as pectus excavatum, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a depression or concavity in the sternum, resulting in a funnel-like appearance of the chest. This deformity is not typically associated with COPD.

C. Kyphotic

Kyphosis refers to an exaggerated forward curvature of the thoracic spine, leading to a hunched or rounded upper back. While individuals with severe COPD may develop kyphosis due to chronic respiratory muscle fatigue and increased work of breathing, kyphotic curvature is not specific to COPD and can occur in other conditions as well.

D. Barrel

In COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the client's chest may take on a barrel shape. This is characterized by an increase in the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, resulting in a more rounded appearance similar to that of a barrel. This change in chest shape is due to hyperinflation of the lungs, which occurs as a result of air trapping and increased residual volume in the lungs, common in COPD.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and signs of central cyanosis. Which of the following is a reliable indicator of cyanosis?

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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