The nurse is assessing the symmetry of the client's chest. The nurse recognizes that a client's symmetric expansion of the chest is best confirmed by:
Percussion of the posterior chest
Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall
Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety nine"
Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10
The Correct Answer is D
A. Percussion of the posterior chest: Percussion helps assess the underlying structures of the chest but does not directly confirm symmetric chest expansion.
B. Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall: Inspection is a crucial part of assessing chest symmetry. Any deformities, asymmetry, or abnormalities in the shape and configuration of the chest wall can be visually identified.
C. Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine": This technique, known as tactile fremitus, involves feeling for vibrations or tremors while the client repeats a phrase. While it can provide information about underlying lung conditions, it's not primarily used to confirm symmetric chest expansion.
D. Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10: This technique, known as chest expansion measurement, is used to assess symmetric chest expansion. Placing hands in this manner allows the nurse to feel for bilateral chest expansion during inspiration, ensuring that both sides of the chest expand symmetrically.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
A. Increased temperature: Fluid overload typically doesn't cause an increased temperature. Infections or other inflammatory processes are more likely causes of elevated body temperature.
B. Increased hematocrit: Fluid overload usually results in dilution of blood components, leading to a decreased hematocrit (lower concentration of red blood cells in the blood). An increased hematocrit is not a typical finding in fluid overload.
C. Blood pressure 180/100: Elevated blood pressure can be associated with fluid overload, especially if the overload is chronic. This is a correct assessment finding that requires intervention and monitoring.
D. Respiratory rate 32: An increased respiratory rate can be a sign of respiratory distress, which may occur in severe cases of fluid overload, especially if it leads to pulmonary edema. This is a correct assessment finding that requires intervention and further evaluation.
E. Heart rate 120 bpm: An increased heart rate can be a compensatory mechanism in response to fluid overload, especially if the heart is trying to maintain cardiac output. However, this heart rate alone is not specific enough to confirm fluid overload. Other signs and symptoms, such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, are more indicative of fluid overload.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed: This statement is accurate. Unequal chest expansion can occur when part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed, preventing the affected area from expanding normally during inhalation.
B. When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present: This statement is not accurate. Unequal chest expansion typically refers to decreased expansion on one side, not bulging of intercostal spaces.
C. In an obese patient: This statement is not accurate. Obesity can affect breathing patterns and lung function, but it is not the primary cause of unequal chest expansion.
D. When accessory muscles are used to augment respiratory effort: This statement is not accurate. The use of accessory muscles to augment respiratory effort can be a sign of respiratory distress, but it doesn't directly cause unequal chest expansion. Unequal expansion is more indicative of specific lung conditions or issues with lung mechanics.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
