A nurse is assessing a client's cardiovascular system. To palpate for unexpected pulsations in the pulmonic area, at which anatomical location should the nurse place her fingers?

Choice A rationale:

Decreased heart rate is not an anticipated finding in response to acute pain. Pain typically triggers sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to an increased heart rate as a physiological response to the stressor.

Choice B rationale:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with acute pain. Acute pain is more likely to induce a sympathetic response, which can lead to decreased gastrointestinal motility and hypoactive bowel sounds.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased blood pressure is not a common response to acute pain. Pain often leads to an increase in blood pressure due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones.

Choice D rationale:

Increased respiratory rate is the anticipated finding in response to acute pain. Acute pain can cause an increase in the sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to a higher respiratory rate as the body prepares for a fight-or-flight response. This increased respiratory rate helps oxygenate the blood and meet the potential increased demand for energy during stress.

Choice A rationale:

Lesion is brown and black in color - This choice does not necessarily indicate malignancy. Skin lesions can be various colors, and color alone is not a definitive indicator of malignancy. Therefore, this choice is not a reliable characteristic for assessing a suspected malignant lesion.

Choice B rationale:

Irregular borders - Irregular or uneven borders are a concerning feature of skin lesions that could suggest malignancy. Malignant lesions, such as melanoma, often have irregular, jagged, or poorly defined borders. This choice is accurate in identifying a potential sign of skin cancer.

Choice C rationale:

Symmetrical halves - Symmetry is generally associated with benign lesions, while malignant lesions often have an asymmetric appearance. A lack of symmetry is considered a characteristic of potential malignancy, making this choice appropriate.

Choice D rationale:

Diameter greater than 6 mm - Lesions with a diameter greater than 6 mm are considered a worrisome characteristic for malignancy. While the size alone is not the sole determinant, larger lesions are more likely to be assessed further for malignancy. This choice accurately identifies a significant feature for evaluation.

Choice E rationale:

Regular borders - Regular, smooth borders are generally associated with benign skin lesions. Malignant lesions tend to have irregular, jagged, or uneven borders. Identifying regular borders as a characteristic of a suspected malignant lesion is inaccurate.