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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Ask questions in a vague, nonspecific format: Vague questions won't elicit clear answers.

B. Share personal values to put the client at ease: While building rapport is important, sharing personal values might not be necessary.

C. Get the most difficult questions over with first: This can make the client defensive and less likely to be honest.

D. Begin with less sensitive questions: Starting with general questions about lifestyle habits and then gradually transitioning to more specific questions about alcohol and substance use can create a more comfortable environment for open communication

A. Tell the client the medication needs more time to work. B. Reassess the client and the level of pain. C. Ask the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to offer a backrub to the client. D. Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Telling the client the medication needs more time: While true for some medications, it's important to assess the severity of the pain to determine if further action is needed.

B. Reassessing the client's pain: This is the most crucial step. Reassessment helps determine the effectiveness of the medication and identify any potential issues.

C. Asking UAP to offer a backrub: While comfort measures can be helpful, delegation to an UAP should only occur after a nurse assessment and with clear instructions. In this case, pain management is the priority.

D. Encouraging deep breaths: Distraction techniques can be a complementary approach, but reassessing the pain level is the most urgent step.

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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?

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