The nurse is assessing the client's respiratory system. Which method will result in the most accurate assessment of the client's respiratory rate?
The nurse should count the respirations in an unobtrusive manner without informing the client.
The nurse should inform the client that they are preparing to count the client's respirations.
The nurse should place a hand on the client's chest to count respirations.
The nurse should count when the respirations are audible.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Counting respirations unobtrusively helps ensure the client does not alter their breathing pattern due to the awareness of being observed. This method is generally preferred because it provides a more accurate assessment of the client's normal respiratory rate.
B. If the client is informed that their respirations are being counted, they may unconsciously alter their breathing pattern due to nervousness or the desire to appear normal. This could result in an inaccurate assessment of their true respiratory rate.
C. Placing a hand on the client's chest can be helpful in assessing the depth and evenness of respirations. However, this method might cause the client to become aware of the assessment and could lead to a change in their breathing pattern.
D. Counting respirations only when they are audible can be problematic. Audible respirations are not always present and may not accurately reflect the client’s full respiratory rate. This method may miss periods of quiet breathing and thus provide an incomplete assessment of the respiratory rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Palpable lymph nodes are assessed through palpation, not inspection. The nurse would use their hands to feel for lymph nodes in areas such as the axilla (armpit) and supraclavicular regions. This is a tactile examination and therefore not documented as part of the inspection.
B. Symmetry refers to the visual observation of whether the breasts are equal in size and shape. During the inspection phase, the nurse notes whether the breasts appear symmetrical or if there are any visible asymmetries.
C. Breast sensitivity is typically assessed through palpation or the client’s report of symptoms rather than through inspection alone. Sensitivity involves asking the client about their experience of pain or discomfort in the breasts, which cannot be observed visually.
D. Tenderness is assessed through palpation, where the nurse would gently press on the breast tissue to determine if the client experiences pain. Tenderness is not a visual finding and therefore is not documented during the inspection phase.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This option describes wheezes, which are high-pitched continuous sounds often heard on both inspiration and expiration. Wheezes are commonly associated with asthma because they result from the narrowing of the airways, causing turbulent airflow.
B. This description refers to crackles (or rales), which are short, high-pitched sounds often heard on inspiration. Crackles are typically associated with conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or other forms of pulmonary edema. They are not as specific to asthma as wheezes are.
C. This option describes rhonchi, which are low-pitched, continuous rattling sounds that may occur on both inspiration and expiration. Rhonchi are often associated with airway obstruction due to secretions or mucus and can be heard in conditions such as chronic bronchitis.
D. This option describes pleural friction rubs, which are low-pitched, grating sounds heard during both inhalation and exhalation. Pleural friction rubs occur when the pleural layers become inflamed and rub against each other.
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