The nurse is listening to the breath sounds of a patient with severe asthma. Air passing through narrowed bronchioles would produce which of these adventitious sounds?

A. Bronchial breath sounds that are normal in that location: Bronchial breath sounds are high-pitched and louder, with expiration lasting longer than inspiration. They are normally heard over the trachea and not over the posterior lower lobes. If bronchial sounds are heard in the lower lung fields, it may indicate lung consolidation, such as in pneumonia.

B. Bronchovesicular breath sounds that are normal in that location: Bronchovesicular breath sounds are moderate in pitch and intensity, with inspiration and expiration being roughly equal in length. These sounds are typically heard over the major bronchi, near the sternum anteriorly and between the scapulae posteriorly, making them unlikely to be present in the posterior lower lobes.

C. Normal sounds auscultated over the trachea: Breath sounds heard over the trachea are expected to be bronchial, which are loud and high-pitched, with expiration lasting longer than inspiration. The low-pitched, soft sounds described do not match the normal tracheal breath sounds.

D. Vesicular breath sounds that are normal in that location: Vesicular breath sounds are soft and low-pitched, with inspiration lasting longer than expiration. They are the normal breath sounds heard over most of the peripheral lung fields, including the posterior lower lobes, confirming that these findings are normal.

A. Palm: The palm of the hand is not ideal for palpating lymph nodes because it does not provide the fine sensitivity needed to detect subtle differences in size, texture, and tenderness.

B. Pads of fingers: The pads of the fingers are the best part of the hand to use when examining lymph nodes. This part allows for precise and gentle palpation, helping the nurse assess the size, consistency, and mobility of the lymph nodes effectively.

C. Base of hand: The base of the hand is less sensitive and not suitable for palpating lymph nodes as it provides less sensitivity compared to the pads of the fingers. The base of the hand is better suited for applying pressure during broader palpation techniques It does not provide the necessary tactile feedback for a thorough examination.

D. Ulnar surface: The ulnar surface of the hand is not typically used for palpation of lymph nodes. It is less sensitive compared to the pads of the fingers and is not appropriate for this examination.