During a routine physical examination of a client, chest palpation is determined to be normal except for a 2 inch (5.1 cm) diameter area of crepitus over the upper right anterior chest. Which interpretation is the most accurate for this finding?

Trapped subcutaneous air causing crepitus will be absorbed, so the finding is not significant.

Since this client has only a small area of crepitus, it probably is not a significant finding.

Crepitus is always abnormal and should be followed-up with a more detailed assessment.

Since a fractured rib often creates crepitus, a chest x-ray should be scheduled immediately.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Trapped subcutaneous air causing crepitus will be absorbed, so the finding is not significant. While trapped air can be absorbed, crepitus can indicate underlying issues such as a pneumothorax or other trauma, so it should not be dismissed as insignificant.

B. Since this client has only a small area of crepitus, it probably is not a significant finding. The size of the area does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the underlying condition. Even a small area of crepitus should be investigated.

C. Crepitus is always abnormal and should be followed-up with a more detailed assessment. This is the most accurate interpretation. Crepitus indicates the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues, which is always abnormal and warrants further investigation.

D. Since a fractured rib often creates crepitus, a chest x-ray should be scheduled immediately. While a chest x-ray can be part of the assessment, stating that a fractured rib "often" creates crepitus might be misleading. Crepitus can arise from other conditions, and a thorough assessment is needed before determining the exact cause.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Offer the child bubbles before the stethoscope is placed. Blowing bubbles can help distract the child and make them more relaxed, but it may not be as effective as involving the child directly in the process.

B. Allow the child to use a stethoscope on a stuffed animal. This is an effective approach as it involves the child in the process, making them more comfortable and cooperative. It helps demystify the stethoscope and can reduce fear or anxiety.

C. Place a toy in the child's hands while listening to the breath sounds. Holding a toy can be distracting and help keep the child still, but it does not directly involve the child in the assessment process as effectively as letting them use the stethoscope.

D. Have the child blow a cotton ball and have the parent catch it. Blowing a cotton ball can help with deep breathing, which is useful for lung auscultation. However, it may not ensure the child's cooperation throughout the entire assessment as effectively as option B.

A. Document the client's asymmetrical thoracic movement during inspiration. B. Assist the client to a position that helps the client breathe more easily. C. Provide the client an incentive spirometer to increase respiratory effort. D. Encourage the client to continue to breathe deeply to expand the lungs.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Documenting asymmetrical thoracic movement: While this might be a finding, it's not the most urgent action.

B. Assist the client to a position that helps the client breathe more easily. Sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and abdominal muscle use: These muscles are accessory muscles that help with breathing when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (primary muscles of respiration) are not functioning optimally. This use suggests laboured breathing. Priority action: The client's respiratory distress is the most pressing concern.

C. Incentive spirometer: This device helps improve lung expansion but is not the first-line intervention in this situation where the client is already struggling to breathe.

D. Encouraging deep breaths: This might further strain the respiratory muscles.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

During a routine physical examination of a client, chest palpation is determined to be normal except for a 2 inch (5.1 cm) diameter area of crepitus over the upper right anterior chest. Which interpretation is the most accurate for this finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing the lung sounds of a preschooler. Which action should the nurse implement to ensure the child's cooperation?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While counting the respirations of an adult client who is bedfast, the nurse observes that the client uses the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and abdominal muscles during respirations. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which method is best for the nurse to use in determining early development of ascites?

The nurse is assessing a client who is having pain of the right upper abdominal area. To assess the quality of the client's abdominal pain, which approach should the nurse use?

A client is complaining of severe pain after being medicated one hour ago with hydrocodone with acetaminophen one tablet orally. Which intervention should the nurse implement next?

While the nurse is obtaining a health history, the client reports experiencing shortness of breath at times. The nurse determines that the client's respirations are regular and deep and respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which is the best nursing action?

During a routine health screening of an adult client, the nurse notes several changes that have occurred over the past year. Which change indicates the need for a bone density screening?

The nurse completes palpation of the thoracic region on an adolescent client. Which finding is considered normal for this adolescent client?

Which finding, obtained during a skin assessment of a student, should the school nurse report to the healthcare provider?

When inspecting the client's skin, the nurse observes several areas of ecchymosis on the trunk and extremities. Which information in the client's history requires additional follow-up by the nurse?