A patient's thyroid gland is enlarged, and the nurse is preparing to auscultate the gland for the presence of a bruit. What technique should the nurse use to assess for a bruit?

Palpate the thyroid while the patient holds their breath

Palpate the thyroid while the patient is swallowing

Auscultate the thyroid with the bell of the stethoscope

Auscultate the thyroid with the diaphragm of the stethoscope

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Palpation of the thyroid helps assess its size, consistency, and tenderness but does not aid in detecting a bruit.
B.   Swallowing helps assess the mobility of the thyroid but does not aid in auscultating for a bruit.
C.   The bell of the stethoscope is used to detect low-pitched sounds, such as a bruit, which might be heard if there is increased blood flow through the thyroid gland, as seen in hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.
D.   The diaphragm is used to detect high-pitched sounds, such as lung or heart sounds. The bell is better for detecting a bruit.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Top-to-bottom comparison is not the best method for auscultation. A more systematic approach is needed.
B. Posterior-to-anterior comparison does not apply to all auscultation areas, and a consistent method across the thorax is preferred.
C. Interspace-by-interspace comparison involves comparing sounds across different intercostal spaces but is not a method for transitioning between sites.
D. Side-to-side comparison ensures the nurse is assessing both sides of the thorax equally and systematically, which is the correct approach.

A. Increased tactile fremitus and dull percussion tones. B. Muffled voice sounds and symmetric tactile fremitus. C. Adventitious sounds and limited chest expansion. D. Absent voice sounds and hyper resonant percussion tones.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increased tactile fremitus and dull percussion tones would suggest consolidation or pathology, which is not normal.
B. Muffled voice sounds and symmetric tactile fremitus are normal findings in healthy lung tissue.
C. Adventitious sounds and limited chest expansion would indicate pathology such as pneumonia or other lung diseases.
D. Absent voice sounds and hyper resonant percussion tones would be indicative of a pneumothorax or emphysema, not normal lung findings.

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A patient's thyroid gland is enlarged, and the nurse is preparing to auscultate the gland for the presence of a bruit. What technique should the nurse use to assess for a bruit?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is observing the auscultation technique of a student nurse. What is the correct method to use when progressing from one auscultatory site on the thorax to another?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During an assessment, the nurse knows that expected assessment findings in the normal adult lung include the presence of:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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