A nurse is assessing the symmetry of a client's chest. The nurse should understand that which technique best confirms symmetric expansion of the chest?

Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest during normal breathing

Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10

Percussion of the posterior chest to initiate vibration of the lung structures

Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety nine’’

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest during normal breathing:
While inspecting the shape and configuration of the chest can provide important information about potential deformities or abnormalities (such as a barrel chest or scoliosis), it does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. Inspection primarily focuses on the external appearance rather than the physiological movement of the chest wall during respiration. Symmetry of chest expansion requires more than visual observation; it involves assessing the movement of the chest during inhalation and exhalation.

B) Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10:
This technique is the most effective for confirming symmetric expansion of the chest. The nurse places their hands on the patient's back, with the thumbs positioned at the level of T9 or T10, and asks the patient to take a deep breath. As the patient inhales, the nurse assesses the expansion of both sides of the chest by observing whether the thumbs move apart symmetrically. This test directly evaluates the expansion of the lungs and chest wall during respiration and is the most accurate way to assess symmetry.

C) Percussion of the posterior chest to initiate vibration of the lung structures:
Percussion is a technique used to assess the underlying lung tissue and the presence of conditions like pneumonia, fluid accumulation, or air trapping. It does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. While percussion may provide valuable diagnostic information about the lungs, it does not help in determining how evenly the chest is expanding during normal breathing.

D) Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine":
This technique refers to vocal fremitus, where the nurse places their hands on the client's chest while the client repeats "ninety-nine." It helps assess the transmission of sound vibrations through the chest wall, which can be used to detect areas of consolidation or fluid in the lungs. However, it does not directly evaluate the symmetry of chest expansion. The vibration felt on both sides of the chest may be different in cases of lung disease, but this test does not assess the movement of the chest during breathing.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) AV node → SA node → bundle of His → Erb's Point:
This sequence is incorrect because the electrical impulse of the heart starts at the SA (sinoatrial) node, not the AV (atrioventricular) node. The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart, initiating the electrical signal. The correct order of conduction is SA node → AV node → bundle of His → bundle branches, and finally, the Purkinje fibers. Erb's Point is an anatomical reference point for auscultation, not part of the electrical conduction pathway.

B) Bundle of His → AV node → SA node → Erb's Point:
This sequence is also incorrect. The electrical impulse originates at the SA node, not the bundle of His. The SA node stimulates the AV node, which in turn sends the signal to the bundle of His and then to the bundle branches. This pathway is essential for coordinating the contraction of the heart muscle, starting from the atria and moving to the ventricles.

C) AV node → SA node → bundle of His → bundle branches:
This sequence is reversed and incorrect. The impulse starts at the SA node, not the AV node. The SA node fires first, sending the electrical signal to the AV node, and then the signal travels down the bundle of His, into the left and right bundle branches, and finally to the Purkinje fibers.

D) SA node → AV node → bundle of His → bundle branches:
This is the correct sequence of the electrical conduction pathway of the heart. The electrical impulse originates at the SA node (the heart's natural pacemaker), then travels to the AV node, where it is delayed to allow the atria to contract and fill the ventricles. From there, the impulse moves down the bundle of His, which splits into the left and right bundle branches, leading to the Purkinje fibers that transmit the impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract. This sequence ensures proper coordination and timing of the heart's contractions.

A. Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause B. Fine crackles that may be a sign of impending pneumonia C. Vesicular breath sounds D. Fine wheezes

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause:
Atelectatic crackles are short, popping, crackling sounds heard during auscultation, typically occurring at the end of inspiration. These crackles are often heard in the bases of the lungs, particularly when the client is in a supine position, and are not associated with any pathological condition. Atelectatic crackles are a normal finding, especially in a sleeping or newly awakened client, as they result from the temporary collapse of small airways that quickly re-expand. Since they disappear after a few breaths and are not indicative of disease, they should be documented as atelectatic crackles without a pathological cause.

B) Fine crackles that may be a sign of impending pneumonia:
Fine crackles are high-pitched, popping sounds that are often heard during inspiration, especially at the lung bases. They are commonly associated with conditions like pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary fibrosis. However, in this case, the crackles heard stopped after a few breaths, which is characteristic of atelectatic crackles rather than fine crackles associated with pathological conditions. Fine crackles that last and occur consistently may suggest pathology, but in this scenario, the transient nature of the sounds points to atelectatic crackles, not pneumonia.

C) Vesicular breath sounds:
Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over the peripheral lung fields, characterized by a soft, low-pitched sound during inspiration, with a shorter expiration. These sounds are different from crackles, which are brief, popping sounds. Vesicular breath sounds do not refer to abnormal or adventitious sounds, such as the crackles heard in this client. Therefore, the nurse should not document the breath sounds as vesicular.

D) Fine wheezes:
Wheezes are continuous musical sounds produced by the narrowing of the airways, typically heard during exhalation. They are usually caused by conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchitis. The crackling sounds described in the question are not wheezes, as they are short, popping sounds rather than musical, continuous sounds. The transient nature of the sounds makes them more consistent with atelectatic crackles, not wheezes.

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A nurse is assessing the symmetry of a client's chest. The nurse should understand that which technique best confirms symmetric expansion of the chest?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the sequence of the cardiac cycle. The nurse recognizes that the electrical stimulus of the cardiac cycle follows which sequence?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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