The nurse is doing an assessment of an adult client and noticed unequal chest expansion. The nurse recognizes that unequal chest expansion occurs:

When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed

When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present

In an obese patient

When accessory muscles are used to augment respiratory effort

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line:

Explanation: The apical pulse, or the point of maximal impulse (PMI), is typically located at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the chest. This is the area where the heartbeat is best heard using a stethoscope in most adults.

B. Third left intercostal space at the midclavicular line:

Explanation: This location is too high for the apical pulse. The heart's apex is generally not found at the third intercostal space; it's lower, closer to the fifth intercostal space.

C. Fourth left intercostal space at the sternal border:

Explanation: This location is not the typical site for auscultating the apical pulse. The PMI is usually heard at the midclavicular line, not at the sternal border.

D. Under the left breast at the midclavicular line:

Explanation: This position is not precise enough for auscultating the apical pulse. The specific intercostal space (fifth) and midclavicular line are crucial for accurate assessment.

A. Percussion of the posterior chest B. Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall C. Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety nine" D. Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

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The nurse is doing an assessment of an adult client and noticed unequal chest expansion. The nurse recognizes that unequal chest expansion occurs:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to assess the heart rate on an adult female client. The nurse recognizes that the apical pulse can be assessed in an adult female at which of the following anatomical position?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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