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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Takes a first step alone: This is typically achieved closer to 12 months.

B. Sits alone unsupported: Some 8-month-olds might achieve this, but pulling to sit is a more consistent milestone at this age.

C. Can feed self finger food: While some babies might explore finger foods at 8 months, independent feeding is usually a skill developed later.

D. Pulls self to sitting position: This demonstrates developing upper body strength and coordination, commonly seen around 8-9 months.

A. Explain to the client the possible causes of dyspnea or "shortness of breath." B. Ask the client to describe the episodes of dyspnea in more detail. C. Document "dyspnea on exertion" in the client's medical record. D. Ask the client to perform light exercise and observe the respiratory effort.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Explain to the client the possible causes of dyspnea or "shortness of breath.": While the nurse might eventually explain this, it's premature without more information about the client's specific shortness of breath experience.

B. Ask the client to describe the episodes of dyspnea in more detail: This is the most appropriate next step. Understanding the characteristics, triggers, and severity of the dyspnea will help determine the cause and guide further assessment.

C. Document "dyspnea on exertion" in the client's medical record: The client only reports experiencing shortness of breath "at times," not necessarily with exertion. More details are needed before documenting.

D. Ask the client to perform light exercise and observe the respiratory effort: This could worsen the client's condition if the shortness of breath is severe. Observation during rest provides a safer approach initially.

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

Parents bring their 8-month-old child to the clinic because they are concerned that the child is not developing as an older sibling did. Which developmental characteristic should the nurse expect an 8-month-old to exhibit?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

While assessing a client who is obese, the nurse is unable to locate the gallbladder when palpating below the liver margin at the lateral border of the rectus abdominal muscle. Which is the most likely explanation for failure to locate the gallbladder by palpation?

The nurse notes an enlarged, visible lymph node on the client's neck. Which action should the nurse take next?

While assisting a client to ambulate who has left hemiplegia due to a stroke, the nurse notices that the client is having difficulty walking in a straight line. Based on this assessment finding, it is most important to include which intervention in this client's plan of care?

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?

While the nurse is taking a health history, the client announces, "I don't have time for this. This is a waste of time. I need treatment." Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

A client grimaces while preforming range of motion of the left knee during an annual health assessment. Which movements should the nurse utilize to assess the client's ability to normally perform range of motion on the right knee?

In auscultating for the presence of a carotid artery bruit, the nurse places the bell of the stethoscope at which location?