The nurse is preparing to auscultate for heart sounds on a client. Which of the following technique should be used by the nurse?
Listening for all possible sounds at a time at each specified area.
Listening to the sounds at the aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, and mitral areas.
Listening to the sounds only at the site where the apical pulse is felt to be the strongest.
Listening by inching the stethoscope in a rough Z pattern, from the base of the heart across and down, then over to the apex.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Listening for all possible sounds at a time at each specified area: This approach does not allow for specific localization of different heart sounds and murmurs, making it difficult to accurately assess the heart's condition.
B. Listening to the sounds at the aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, and mitral areas: This option is close but lacks the systematic approach of method D. Listening at specific anatomical locations (aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral) is important, but the Z pattern allows for thorough coverage and precise localization of any abnormal sounds.
C. Listening to the sounds only at the site where the apical pulse is felt to be the strongest: This method does not cover all the important auscultation sites on the heart and may miss significant findings.
D. Listening by inching the stethoscope in a rough Z pattern, from the base of the heart across and down, then over to the apex: This technique involves a systematic approach where the nurse listens at specific locations in a structured manner, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the heart sounds and murmurs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause:
Atelectatic crackles are short, popping, crackling sounds heard during auscultation. They occur in individuals who are in a supine position and disappear after a few breaths. These crackles are not indicative of any pathological condition; they are common when the lungs are not fully aerated, especially when a person is lying down.
B. Vesicular breath sounds:
Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over the peripheral lung areas. They are soft, low-pitched, and continuous throughout inspiration and part of expiration. Vesicular breath sounds are the typical sounds heard during routine breathing and are not associated with crackling or popping noises.
C. Fine wheezes:
Wheezes are high-pitched whistling sounds heard during expiration. They occur due to narrowed airways and are commonly associated with conditions like asthma or bronchoconstriction. Fine wheezes suggest a partial obstruction in the smaller airways, causing turbulent airflow, leading to the characteristic sound.
D. Fine crackles and may be a sign of pneumonia:
Fine crackles are high-pitched, discontinuous, crackling sounds heard during inspiration. They can occur due to the sudden opening of small airways, and their presence may indicate fluid in the lungs or lung inflammation. Fine crackles are often associated with conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or interstitial lung diseases.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Clear and equal breath sounds bilaterally
Explanation: Clear and equal breath sounds bilaterally indicate normal lung sounds, suggesting proper air exchange in both lungs. This is a normal finding and does not require immediate reporting.
B. Oxygen saturation of 98% on room air
Explanation: An oxygen saturation level of 98% on room air indicates adequate oxygenation of the blood. This is a normal and healthy oxygen saturation level and does not require immediate reporting.
C. Cough producing clear, thin sputum
Explanation: A cough producing clear, thin sputum is indicative of a non-infected or non-inflammatory condition in the respiratory system. Clear and thin sputum is often normal, especially in the absence of other symptoms. It does not require immediate reporting unless the client has other concerning symptoms.
D. Visible use of accessory muscles during inhalation
Explanation: Visible use of accessory muscles, such as neck or intercostal muscles, during inhalation suggests that the client is working hard to breathe. This could indicate respiratory distress, potentially due to conditions like asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), or other severe lung problems. It's a concerning sign and should be reported to the healthcare practitioner promptly for further evaluation and intervention.
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