A nurse is evaluating and assessing a client with a diagnosis of chronic emphysema. The client is receiving oxygen therapy at a flow rate of 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Which findings concern the nurse immediately?
The client sitting up and leaning over the bedside table,
Fine bilateral basilar crackles.
A respiratory rate of 9 breaths/min.
A large barrel chest.
The Correct Answer is C
A. This position is often seen in clients with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema. It is called the tripod position and can help the client breathe more easily by expanding the chest and reducing the work of breathing. While this position indicates the client is experiencing difficulty breathing, it is not an immediate emergency but rather a sign of their chronic respiratory condition.
B. Fine crackles (or rales) are abnormal lung sounds that can indicate fluid in the alveoli. In emphysema, crackles are not typical and may suggest a complication such as pulmonary edema or infection.
However, if these crackles are not severe and the client’s overall condition is stable, it may not be the
most urgent issue compared to other findings.
C. A respiratory rate of 9 breaths per minute is considered bradypnea, which is significantly lower than the normal range (12-20 breaths/min). For a client with chronic emphysema on oxygen therapy, bradypnea is a concerning finding because it indicates inadequate respiratory drive and potential respiratory depression.
D. A barrel chest is a common physical finding in clients with chronic emphysema due to chronic air trapping and lung overexpansion. It reflects long-standing changes in the chest structure due to the disease. While it is a notable finding, it is a chronic manifestation of emphysema and not an immediate concern in the context of acute clinical status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While mammograms are commonly used to evaluate breast tissue in women, they are not typically used for men. In men, gynecomastia is usually evaluated with a physical exam and sometimes ultrasound rather than mammography. A mammogram might be ordered if there is a suspicion of breast cancer, but this is less common and not the first step in evaluating gynecomastia.
B. This is a prudent and effective next step. Certain medications can cause gynecomastia as a side effect, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiandrogens, and calcium channel blockers. Reviewing the medication list can help identify if the gynecomastia might be related to a drug the client is taking.
C. A breast biopsy is an invasive procedure used to diagnose breast cancer or other conditions when there is a concern about a mass or abnormality. If gynecomastia is the only finding and there are no concerning features such as a palpable mass or other symptoms, a breast biopsy would not be the first step.
D. While gynecomastia can occur as a normal part of aging, especially in older men due to hormonal changes, it is important to evaluate it thoroughly to rule out other causes. Simply dismissing it as a normal part of aging without further investigation might overlook an underlying condition or medication side effect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cyclic breast pain is related to the menstrual cycle and typically follows a pattern in relation to hormonal changes. It often starts in the luteal phase of the cycle and resolves with the onset of menstruation. Since the described pain is not associated with the menstrual cycle, this term is not appropriate for the given scenario.
B. Noncyclic breast pain is pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle and does not have a specific, cyclical pattern. It is often described as occurring independently of hormonal changes and can be associated with a variety of other factors, including infections, injuries, or other conditions affecting the breast tissue.
C. Fibrocystic breast changes refer to a condition characterized by lumpy, tender breasts with pain often related to hormonal changes. The pain and lumps can vary with the menstrual cycle, so it does not fit the description of noncyclic pain that is independent of the menstrual cycle.
D. While breast cancer can present with pain, particularly in advanced stages or in the presence of a mass, the term "breast cancer" is not used to describe the nature of the pain itself. It is a diagnosis rather than a descriptive term for pain characteristics.
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