A patient is diagnosed with a pneumothorax and asks you to explain this condition. What will you say that is most accurate?

Pus in the pleural space

Collapse of small airways

Blood in the chest cavity

Air in the pleural space

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Pus in the pleural space: This describes empyema, a condition in which infection leads to pus accumulation in the pleural space. Empyema is commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia, lung abscess, or thoracic surgery and requires drainage and antibiotic therapy. It does not cause the lung collapse seen in pneumothorax.

B. Collapse of small airways: While airway collapse can occur in conditions like bronchiolitis or atelectasis, it is not the defining feature of pneumothorax. Pneumothorax specifically involves air leaking into the pleural space, which disrupts the negative pressure necessary for lung expansion and results in partial or complete lung collapse.

C. Blood in the chest cavity: This describes hemothorax, a condition in which blood accumulates in the pleural space due to trauma, ruptured blood vessels, or certain medical conditions. Unlike pneumothorax, which involves air in the pleural space, hemothorax requires different management, including drainage with a chest tube and possible fluid resuscitation.

D. Air in the pleural space: Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing a loss of negative pressure and leading to lung collapse. This can result from chest trauma, spontaneous rupture of alveoli, underlying lung disease, or mechanical ventilation. Symptoms may include sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds on the affected side.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Cardiac failure: While cardiac failure can lead to changes in heart function, it does not directly cause an acquired murmur. Murmurs are typically due to valvular or structural abnormalities rather than being a direct consequence of heart failure.

B. Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD can lead to ischemic heart disease and may contribute to heart failure but is not typically associated with the development of an acquired murmur. It does not directly create new murmurs; rather, it can exacerbate existing heart conditions.

C. Congenital malformation: Congenital malformations are structural heart defects present at birth and are classified as congenital causes of murmurs rather than acquired. These murmurs result from anatomical abnormalities rather than changes occurring after birth.

D. Rheumatic fever: Rheumatic fever is an acquired condition that can cause damage to the heart valves, leading to the development of valvular insufficiency or stenosis. These changes can produce an acquired murmur as a result of the inflammation and scarring of the heart valves following the infection.

A. Expectorating copious amounts of frothy, pink sputum B. Fine crackles throughout both lung fields C. +pitting edema in lower extremities D. Altered level of consciousness E. Jugular vein distention

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Expecting copious amounts of frothy, pink sputum: This symptom is typically associated with left-sided heart failure or pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to the production of frothy, pink sputum. It is not a classic manifestation of right-sided heart failure.

B. Fine crackles throughout both lung fields: Fine crackles are more indicative of left-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary congestion). In right-sided heart failure, the primary issues relate more to systemic congestion rather than pulmonary congestion.

C. +pitting edema in lower extremities: Right-sided heart failure often leads to fluid retention and peripheral edema due to increased venous pressure. Pitting edema in the lower extremities is a common clinical manifestation in patients with cor pulmonale and right-sided heart failure.

D. Altered level of consciousness: This can occur due to decreased cardiac output and resulting reduced cerebral perfusion. In right-sided heart failure, especially in advanced stages, fluid overload can lead to increased intracranial pressure, contributing to altered mental status.

E. Jugular vein distention: Jugular vein distention is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure. Increased pressure in the right atrium due to fluid overload results in distended neck veins, indicating elevated venous pressure.

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A patient is diagnosed with a pneumothorax and asks you to explain this condition. What will you say that is most accurate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which condition is a cause of an acquired murmur?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Upon admission to the ICU, a client with a history of cor pulmonale will likely be exhibiting which clinical manifestations of right-sided heart failure? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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