A nurse is testing a client's visual accommodation. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an assessment finding from visual accommodation?
The pupils constrict when the examiner's index finger slowly moves toward the client's nose
The client's peripheral vision becomes sharper the examiner shines a light over the pupils
The pupils dilate when the examiner's finger slowly moves toward the client's nose
The client involuntary blinks in the of bright light directed the pupils during the eye exam
The Correct Answer is A
A) The pupils constrict when the examiner's index finger slowly moves toward the client's nose: This is the correct description of the process of visual accommodation. Visual accommodation refers to the ability of the eyes to focus on a near object. When the examiner's finger is moved toward the client's nose, the pupils should constrict to focus the light on the retina. This response is an indicator that the client’s eyes are properly adjusting to focus on a close object.
B) The client's peripheral vision becomes sharper when the examiner shines a light over the pupils: This is not correct, as shining a light over the pupils is related to assessing the pupillary light reflex, not visual accommodation. Visual accommodation focuses on the ability to focus on a near object, while peripheral vision is related to the ability to see objects outside of the central vision, and is not influenced by the light shining directly into the pupil.
C) The pupils dilate when the examiner's finger slowly moves toward the client's nose: This is incorrect. When assessing visual accommodation, the pupils should constrict (become smaller) as the object moves closer to the face, not dilate. Dilation of the pupils would suggest a lack of accommodation and could indicate a neurological or eye condition.
D) The client involuntarily blinks in the presence of bright light directed at the pupils during the eye exam: This describes the corneal reflex, which is a response to bright light or a foreign object approaching the eye, rather than a test of visual accommodation. This reflex is mediated by the trigeminal nerve and is unrelated to the accommodation response, which focuses on the pupil's reaction to near objects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) When the client is obese:
While obesity can affect the overall ease of breathing due to increased fat tissue around the chest and abdomen, it is not a direct cause of unequal chest expansion. Obesity can limit the depth of breath and potentially make it harder for the chest to expand fully, but it would not typically cause asymmetry in the movement of the chest on one side. Unequal chest expansion is more likely to occur due to underlying respiratory or structural issues.
B) When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed:
This is the most accurate reason for unequal chest expansion. If part of the lung is obstructed (such as with a mucous plug or foreign body) or collapsed (as in the case of pneumothorax or atelectasis), it prevents that area of the lung from fully expanding during inspiration. As a result, the affected side of the chest will expand less than the opposite side. This can be a critical finding and warrants immediate further investigation to determine the cause and ensure appropriate treatment.
C) When accessory muscles are used to facilitate respiratory effort:
While the use of accessory muscles (e.g., the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, and intercostal muscles) often occurs during labored breathing, it does not specifically result in unequal chest expansion. Accessory muscle use typically occurs in conditions like severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or respiratory distress, where there is an increased effort to breathe, but it doesn't cause asymmetry in the chest's movement. Unequal chest expansion is usually related to a localized problem in the lung or pleura, not the general use of muscles.
D) When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present:
Bulging of the intercostal spaces may suggest increased pressure in the pleural space, such as in the case of a pleural effusion or severe respiratory distress. However, while bulging intercostal spaces can be a sign of a respiratory condition, it is not typically associated with unequal chest expansion. Instead, bulging could indicate that the lung or chest wall is under stress or that there is fluid accumulation, which would lead to other physical findings like decreased breath sounds or dullness to percussion, but it does not directly cause unequal expansion. Unequal expansion is more likely to occur when part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed
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