A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic bronchitis. Which of the following percussion sounds should the nurse expect?
Dullness
Tympany
Resonance
Flatness
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Dullness on percussion typically indicates increased lung density, such as in conditions where lung tissue is consolidated or fluid-filled. This sound is heard in cases of: Pneumonia (due to alveolar consolidation) Pleural effusion (fluid in the pleural space) Lung tumors (solid masses in lung tissue) Since chronic bronchitis is primarily an airway disease characterized by inflammation and mucus production rather than lung consolidation or fluid accumulation, dullness is not an expected finding..
Choice B reason: Tympany is usually heard over air-filled structures and is not a percussion sound typically associated with chronic bronchitis.
Choice C reason:
Resonance is the normal percussion sound heard over healthy lung fields, indicating air-filled alveoli. Since chronic bronchitis does not cause significant air trapping or lung consolidation, percussion remains resonant rather than hyperresonant (as in emphysema) or dull (as in pneumonia). Thus, resonance is the expected finding in chronic bronchitis because the lung parenchyma remains relatively unaffected despite the chronic airway inflammation.
Choice D reason: Flatness is heard over very dense tissue, such as muscle or bone, and is not characteristic of chronic bronchitis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Partial compensation would typically involve a change in PaCO2 to counterbalance the elevated bicarbonate, which is not observed here.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2, which is not consistent with the given values.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory alkalosis would present with a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation, which is not the case here.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. The elevated pH and HCO3 with a normal PaCO2 indicate metabolic alkalosis without respiratory compensation. Persistent vomiting can lead to loss of stomach acid, which causes metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased blood pressure can be a sign of many conditions, including gastrointestinal perforation, but it is not specific and can occur in various other medical situations.
Choice B reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are generally not associated with gastrointestinal perforation. They can occur in conditions like gastroenteritis or early bowel obstruction.
Choice C reason: Sudden abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen, can be a sign of gastrointestinal perforation. This pain is often severe and can be accompanied by signs of peritonitis.
Choice D reason: Tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, may occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to internal bleeding or infection, which can be secondary to gastrointestinal perforation.
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