A patient is admitted to the respiratory unit with flail chest.
Which answer best describes this diagnosis?
A condition in which there is a puncture or rupture of the lung.
A condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity.
A condition characterized by multiple fractures of the ribs resulting in a segment of the chest wall becoming detached.
A condition characterized by the collapse of the lung.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A puncture or rupture of the lung is typically associated with a pneumothorax, not flail chest. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall.
Choice B rationale
The presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity is known as pneumothorax. Flail chest, however, is characterized by multiple rib fractures.
Choice C rationale
Flail chest occurs when multiple adjacent ribs are fractured in multiple places, creating a free-floating segment of the chest wall. This condition is serious and often results from blunt chest trauma.
Choice D rationale
The collapse of the lung is known as atelectasis or pneumothorax, not flail chest. Flail chest specifically refers to the detachment of a segment of the rib cage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale
Radiating pain to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (MI). This pain occurs due to the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen, often because of a blockage in one or more coronary arteries. The pain can radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, and is a key indicator for diagnosing an MI.
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting can occur during an MI but are not the most distinctive symptoms for diagnosis. They can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific indicators of MI.
Choice C rationale
Shortness of breath is a common symptom during an MI, resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, while it is an important clinical manifestation, it can also be associated with other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Choice D rationale
Headache is not a typical symptom of an MI. It is less commonly associated with heart attacks and can be caused by a wide range of other factors, making it an unreliable symptom for diagnosing MI.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering a laxative is not necessary for a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast. Laxatives are typically used for bowel preparation for procedures like colonoscopies.
Choice B rationale
Biguanide medications such as metformin should be held before and after the administration of contrast medium to prevent lactic acidosis, particularly in clients with liver disease.
Choice C rationale
Fasting for 24 hours is not required before a CT scan with contrast medium. Typically, clients are asked to fast for a few hours prior to the procedure.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring the client is adequately hydrated helps to protect kidney function and reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Hydration is especially important for clients with a history of liver disease.
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