A nurse is assessing the anterior chest of a client. The nurse recognizes that which of the following should be included in the assessment? (Select all that apply.)
Kyphosis
Gastrointestinal sounds
Heart sounds
Breath sounds
Symmetric expansion
Correct Answer : C,D,E
A) Kyphosis: While kyphosis is an important physical finding that could impact a client's respiratory and musculoskeletal health, it is typically assessed during the general physical examination and postural assessment rather than as part of the anterior chest assessment. Therefore, kyphosis is not directly part of the anterior chest examination, though it could be a factor influencing respiratory mechanics.
B) Gastrointestinal sounds: Gastrointestinal sounds are assessed during the abdominal examination, not the chest examination. The anterior chest exam focuses on respiratory and cardiac assessments, which do not involve auscultating bowel sounds. Hence, gastrointestinal sounds are not part of the chest examination.
C) Heart sounds: Auscultation of heart sounds is a crucial part of assessing the anterior chest, as it helps the nurse evaluate cardiac function. The nurse listens to heart sounds at specific areas on the chest (e.g., aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral areas) to identify any abnormalities such as murmurs, arrhythmias, or other issues.
D) Breath sounds: Breath sounds are an essential component of the chest assessment. By auscultating the lungs, the nurse can identify normal or abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezes, crackles, or decreased breath sounds, which may indicate respiratory issues like pneumonia, asthma, or emphysema.
E) Symmetric expansion: Symmetric expansion refers to the even movement of both sides of the chest during inhalation and exhalation. Assessing symmetric chest expansion helps the nurse identify any respiratory abnormalities, such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or other lung pathologies that may cause uneven chest expansion, signaling a potential underlying issue.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Bronchial sounds:
Bronchial breath sounds are normal over the trachea and large bronchi but are considered abnormal if heard over the peripheral lung fields. In the case of pneumonia or other types of lung consolidation, bronchial sounds may be transmitted to more peripheral areas of the lungs where they are typically not heard. However, bronchial sounds themselves are not the specific adventitious sound produced by lung consolidation, though their presence can suggest consolidation.
B) Crackles:
Crackles (also known as rales) are the adventitious sounds most commonly associated with lung consolidation, such as in pneumonia. Crackles occur when air bubbles move through the fluid or mucus in the alveoli and small airways. In pneumonia, the inflammation and accumulation of fluid or pus in the alveoli (consolidation) causes crackling or popping sounds during inspiration. Crackles are a key indicator of consolidation in the lungs, making this the correct choice.
C) Whispered pectoriloquy:
Whispered pectoriloquy is a type of vocal fremitus that can be heard during auscultation when the patient whispers a phrase. It is an abnormal finding that can occur in the presence of lung consolidation, where the whispered sounds are heard more clearly or louder than normal. While it is related to lung consolidation, it is not an adventitious sound like crackles. Instead, it is a sign that can indicate the presence of consolidation when paired with other findings like bronchophony.
D) Bronchophony:
Bronchophony is the increased clarity and intensity of spoken sounds during auscultation, which occurs in areas of lung consolidation. When a patient says "99," the sound may become more distinct and louder when consolidation is present. Although bronchophony is another finding that may suggest consolidation, it is a vocal sound rather than an adventitious breath sound. Bronchophony refers specifically to changes in voice transmission, not to the crackling or popping sounds caused by consolidation itself.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) S2 indicates the beginning of diastole:
While S2 does coincide with the end of systole and the beginning of diastole, this statement is not the most specific or accurate way to describe the S2 heart sound. S2 marks the closure of the semilunar valves (the aortic and pulmonic valves), which occurs at the end of systole, just before diastole begins. While it is true that the S2 sound occurs as the heart transitions from systole to diastole, the closure of the semilunar valves is the more specific cause of S2.
B) S2 coincides with the carotid artery pulse:
This statement is not accurate. S2 does not exactly coincide with the carotid pulse. The S2 sound is heard slightly after the pulse due to the time it takes for the mechanical contraction of the heart to produce the sound. The carotid pulse typically corresponds more closely with the closure of the atrioventricular (AV) valves and the beginning of systole (S1), not S2. The timing of S2 and the carotid pulse can be close, but they are not perfectly synchronized.
C) S2 is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves:
This is the correct explanation. S2 is the heart sound produced by the closure of the semilunar valves (the aortic and pulmonic valves). The closing of these valves marks the end of systole and the beginning of diastole. S2 is typically described as having two components: the A2 sound (closure of the aortic valve) and the P2 sound (closure of the pulmonic valve). In some cases, particularly during inspiration, A2 and P2 may be heard separately, producing a split S2 sound.
D) S2 is louder than an S1:
This statement is not accurate. In general, S1 is louder than S2 at the apex of the heart (the lower part of the chest). S2 is louder than S1 at the base of the heart (near the sternum), particularly over the aortic and pulmonic areas. The loudness of heart sounds varies based on the location of auscultation, but it is not universally true that S2 is always louder than S1. The intensity of each sound depends on various factors, including the position of the listener and the health of the heart valves.
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