The nurse is percussing the lungs of a patient.
The nurse knows that percussion over normal adult lungs will reveal:

Choice A rationale

A bruit is an abnormal vascular sound, typically a loud, whooshing, or blowing murmur, caused by turbulent blood flow through a narrowed or partially obstructed artery. It is best auscultated with the bell of the stethoscope, which is more effective at detecting low-pitched sounds due to its larger surface area and ability to transmit vibrations from a broader area of contact. The turbulence creates vibratory patterns indicative of compromised blood flow.

Choice B rationale

A high-pitched tinkling sound is not characteristic of a bruit and is more commonly associated with bowel sounds in cases of intestinal obstruction, indicating fluid and gas movement within the bowel. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is indeed used for high-pitched sounds, but this specific sound quality does not align with the pathophysiology of a vascular bruit.

Choice C rationale

A soft, trickling, pulsatile sound does not describe a bruit. While pulsatile, the "soft, trickling" quality suggests a very low-flow state or venous hum rather than the turbulent arterial flow responsible for a true bruit. The bell is appropriate for low-pitched sounds, but the character of the sound is inconsistent with a bruit.

Choice D rationale

A low gurgling sound is generally associated with gastrointestinal motility, such as normal bowel sounds, and is not indicative of a vascular bruit. While low-pitched sounds can be detected with the bell, the diaphragm is used for higher-pitched sounds, and the "gurgling" description is inappropriate for arterial turbulence.

Choice A rationale

Ankylosis refers to the stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones. This condition is typically caused by chronic inflammation or injury, leading to bone remodeling and eventual bridging of the joint space. It is a pathological process that restricts movement and is not a normal physiological adaptation during pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. It can be congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic. This spinal deformity deviates from the normal sagittal plane alignment and is not a typical physiological compensatory mechanism for the gravid uterus.

Choice C rationale

Kyphosis is an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, resulting in a hunched back appearance. While some degree of thoracic kyphosis is normal, an exaggerated curve can be pathological. It does not represent the compensatory postural change seen in pregnant women, which primarily involves the lumbar region.

Choice D rationale

Lordosis is an increased inward curvature of the lumbar spine. During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges anteriorly, the woman's center of gravity shifts forward. To maintain balance and prevent falling, the abdominal muscles stretch and the lumbar spine accentuates its inward curve, which is known as lordosis, a physiological adaptation.