A nurse is caring for a client who has a tension pneumothorax. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Paradoxical chest movement
Bilateral crackles
Asymmetry of the chest
Blood-tinged sputum
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Paradoxical chest movement: Paradoxical chest movement is typically associated with flail chest, where multiple rib fractures cause a segment of the chest wall to move in the opposite direction during breathing. It is not a characteristic finding of tension pneumothorax, which involves intrathoracic pressure buildup rather than rib instability.
B. Bilateral crackles: Bilateral crackles are usually indicative of fluid in the alveoli, such as in pulmonary edema or pneumonia. Tension pneumothorax generally causes decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side, not crackles, due to lung collapse.
C. Asymmetry of the chest: Tension pneumothorax often causes visible asymmetry of the chest because the affected side may appear distended while the other side may appear sunken. The increased intrathoracic pressure pushes mediastinal structures toward the unaffected side, making chest asymmetry a hallmark sign.
D. Blood-tinged sputum: Blood-tinged sputum is more commonly seen with pulmonary infections, trauma to the airway, or pulmonary embolism. It is not a primary manifestation of tension pneumothorax, which is primarily characterized by respiratory distress and unilateral findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Anemia: While anemia affects oxygen delivery and overall health, it is not a direct risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia. Anemia does not significantly impact the infant’s glucose regulation immediately after birth.
B. Prematurity: Premature infants have limited glycogen stores, immature liver function, and underdeveloped metabolic pathways, making them more prone to hypoglycemia. Their ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels is compromised, increasing the risk of low glucose after birth.
C. Maternal diabetes: Infants born to mothers with diabetes are exposed to high glucose levels in utero, which stimulates fetal insulin production. After birth, this hyperinsulinemia can lead to rapid drops in blood glucose, placing the newborn at high risk for hypoglycemia.
D. Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count affects coagulation but does not directly influence glucose metabolism or the risk of hypoglycemia in newborns. While it is a clinical concern, it is unrelated to neonatal glucose regulation.
E. Hypothermia: Cold stress increases metabolic demands and glucose utilization in newborns. Hypothermia can accelerate depletion of glycogen stores and impair gluconeogenesis, making it a significant risk factor for hypoglycemia in the neonatal period.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Remind the client to eat scheduled meals daily.: As clients near the end of life, appetite naturally decreases due to metabolic changes and reduced physiologic demand. Encouraging scheduled meals can create discomfort or distress and does not improve outcomes. Supportive care focuses on comfort rather than forcing nutritional intake.
B. Place the client in a supine position.: A supine position can worsen respiratory effort, increase the sensation of breathlessness, and promote secretion pooling. Terminal clients often breathe more comfortably in semi-Fowler’s or side-lying positions, which help ease ventilation and support comfort-based care.
C. Offer the client a blanket to keep warm.: Clients at the end of life commonly experience decreased body temperature due to reduced circulation and metabolic slowing. Gently providing a blanket supports comfort without invasive measures. Maintaining warmth helps ease physical distress and aligns with palliative goals focused on dignity and relief.
D. Speak in a loud tone when addressing the client.: Hearing is often the last sense to diminish, so speaking loudly is unnecessary and may startle or distress the client. A calm, soft voice preserves a peaceful environment and promotes emotional comfort, supporting both the client and family during end-of-life care.
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