A nurse is performing a lung assessment on an older adult client and notes the following:
- Blood pressure: 136/90
- Pulse: 88 beats per minute
- Oxygen saturation: 92%
- Respiratory rate: 18 breaths per minute
- Lung sounds: Diminished breath sounds in all lung fields
What would the nurse expect to be happening with the client?
Client is experiencing a fluid deficit.
Adventitious sounds are present.
Hyperinflation of the lungs.
Client has a pectus carinatum.
The Correct Answer is C
A. A fluid deficit may cause tachycardia and hypotension, but it does not directly cause diminished lung sounds.
B. Adventitious sounds (wheezes, crackles, rhonchi, etc.) are absent in this case. Diminished breath sounds suggest poor airflow, not abnormal sounds.
C. Hyperinflation of the lungs is correct. In conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, lung expansion is limited, leading to diminished breath sounds in all lung fields due to air trapping. The oxygen saturation of 92% is consistent with chronic lung disease.
D. Pectus carinatum (protrusion of the sternum) is a congenital deformity that does not cause diminished breath sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Palpating for pitting edema assesses for fluid overload, but this client is more likely experiencing fluid deficit rather than retention.
B. Assessing oral temperature is important, but there is no indication of infection or fever contributing to fluid loss in this scenario.
C. Inspecting the oral mucosa is correct because the client's total intake (1,245 mL) is significantly lower than their total output (1,928 mL), indicating a negative fluid balance. Signs of dehydration, such as dry oral mucosa, should be assessed first.
D. Auscultating adventitious lung sounds is relevant for fluid overload but is not the priority in a case of fluid deficit.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Oral mucosa is correct. Central cyanosis occurs when oxygen saturation is significantly reduced and is best assessed in areas with rich vascular supply, such as the oral mucosa, lips, and tongue.
B. Palms are incorrect because peripheral cyanosis (often due to cold exposure or poor circulation) can cause blue-tinged extremities, but this does not indicate central cyanosis.
C. Sclera is incorrect because cyanosis does not affect the sclera; however, jaundice does.
D. Nail beds are incorrect because, like the palms, they are more indicative of peripheral cyanosis, which can result from localized poor perfusion rather than central oxygenation problems.
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