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

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.

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

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

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   The presence of crepitus, regardless of size, indicates air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue, which can be associated with various conditions including trauma, infection, or underlying lung issues. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the finding further rather than assuming it is insignificant.
B.   This is the most accurate interpretation. Crepitus is indeed an abnormal finding and warrants further investigation. Its presence can indicate underlying issues such as subcutaneous emphysema, which may be related to trauma, infections, or other conditions that need to be addressed. A more detailed assessment, including possible imaging or additional diagnostic tests, should be pursued to determine the cause and appropriate management.
C.   While it is true that subcutaneous air can be absorbed over time, the presence of crepitus is still an abnormal finding that needs to be evaluated. The underlying cause of the trapped air must be identified, as it may indicate an injury or other health issues that require intervention. Simply assuming that it will resolve on its own without further investigation could overlook a potentially serious condition.
D.   While a fractured rib can cause crepitus, this finding alone does not necessarily mean an immediate chest x-ray is required. The decision to order an x-ray should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the client’s symptoms, history, and physical examination findings. Although a rib fracture is a possible cause, other conditions such as subcutaneous emphysema or infections should also be considered.

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. Cloudy discharge is more commonly associated with infections or discharge from the genital area rather than residual urinary symptoms. While urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause cloudy urine, this is not typically associated with suprapubic tenderness or the sensation of residual pressure alone.
B. An overactive bladder is characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and sometimes incontinence. However, it does not typically cause suprapubic tenderness or a sensation of residual pressure after urination. The described symptoms are more consistent with bladder outlet obstruction or incomplete bladder emptying rather than an overactive bladder.

C. Black tarry stools indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding and are unrelated to urinary symptoms. This finding would suggest a different issue entirely, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, rather than a problem with the urinary tract or bladder. This is not consistent with the client's reported symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and sensation of residual pressure after urination.
D. A weak urinary stream is a common symptom associated with bladder outlet obstruction or conditions affecting urinary flow, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older men. This finding aligns with the client's reported symptoms of suprapubic tenderness and feeling of residual pressure after urination.

A. Firm mass palpated at bottom of left rib cage. B. Rebound tenderness with compression over right upper quadrant. C. Tip of spleen palpable when client is asked to forcefully exhale. D. Pain noted when palpating McBurney's point.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A firm mass at the bottom of the left rib cage could indicate an enlarged spleen. Splenomegaly can result from various conditions such as infections, liver disease, or blood disorders. This finding is considered abnormal and warrants further evaluation.
B. Rebound tenderness in the right upper quadrant is used to assess for peritoneal irritation, often associated with conditions such as appendicitis. This finding is not specific to the spleen but rather indicates potential issues in the right side of the abdomen, and is not directly related to palpation of the spleen.
C. The spleen is normally not palpable in most people. If the tip of the spleen is palpable during deep palpation or when the client is asked to exhale forcefully, it may indicate mild splenomegaly. While this finding might suggest an abnormality, it is less alarming than a firm, consistently palpable mass.
D. McBurney’s point is located in the right lower quadrant and is used to assess for appendicitis. Pain at McBurney’s point is related to appendiceal inflammation and is not specific to the spleen. This finding does not provide information about the spleen but rather about potential appendiceal pathology.

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 middle-aged female client, chest palpation is determined to be normal except for a 2 inch diameter area of crepitus over the upper right anterior chest. Which is the most accurate interpretation of this finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is examining the abdomen of an older male client who expresses suprapubic tenderness on palpation. The client reports that it sometimes feels like there is still pressure in that area after urination. Which additional finding should the nurse expect with continued interview of the client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse examines a client's abdomen. Which finding indicates an abnormal response when palpating the spleen?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Patient Data Exhibits

The nurse is assessing a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus and observes an abnormal response when using a monofilament. Which finding should the nurse document that is consistent with an abnormal finding?

While performing a mental status examination, which question should the nurse ask when attempting to evaluate a client's judgment?

When assessing a 24-year-old body-builder, the nurse is unable to palpate an apical pulse. Which action should the nurse implement?

When inspecting a client's skin, the nurse observes an area of erythema on the arm. Which follow- up assessment should the nurse complete?

In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?

While percussing the abdomen of an adult male client, the nurse encounters a musical high-pitched sound. Which does this finding indicate?