The nurse provides care for a client immediately after a motor vehicle accident. The nurse notes BP 90/52 mmHg, absent breath sounds over the right lung, shallow RR 28 breaths/minute, and displacement of the trachea to the left side. Which explanation is correct for these findings?
Hemothorax
Absorption atelectasis
Tension pneumothorax
Hypovolemic shock
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Hemothorax is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where blood accumulates in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Hemothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause tracheal deviation, which is a sign of increased pressure in the chest.
Choice B reason: Absorption atelectasis is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs, collapse due to lack of oxygen. Absorption atelectasis can cause reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a life-threatening emergency.
Choice C reason: Tension pneumothorax is the correct explanation because it is a condition where air leaks into the pleural space and creates a one-way valve that prevents the air from escaping. This causes the pressure in the chest to increase, which compresses the lung, the heart, and the great vessels. Tension pneumothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, absent breath sounds, and tracheal deviation, which are signs of a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Choice D reason: Hypovolemic shock is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the body loses a large amount of blood or fluid, which reduces the blood volume and the blood pressure. Hypovolemic shock can cause low blood pressure and rapid breathing, but it does not cause absent breath sounds or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a chest injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Initiates the fibrinolytic process in the arteries is not a role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis, but a protective mechanism against it. Fibrinolysis is the breakdown of blood clots by enzymes such as plasmin. It prevents the formation of thrombi that can occlude the arteries and cause ischemia.
Choice B reason: Decreases highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels is not a role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis, but an indicator of it. hsCRP is a marker of systemic inflammation that is produced by the liver in response to cytokines. It is elevated in patients with atherosclerosis and correlates with the risk of cardiovascular events.
Choice C reason: Damages the endothelium of the arteries is the main role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial injury exposes the subendothelial layer to the blood, which triggers the adhesion of monocytes and platelets. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages and engulf oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL), forming foam cells. Foam cells accumulate in the intima and form fatty streaks, which are the earliest lesions of atherosclerosis.
Choice D reason: Causes diffuse arterial vasoconstriction is not a role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis, but a consequence of it. Atherosclerosis narrows the lumen of the arteries and reduces the blood flow to the tissues. This causes ischemia, which stimulates the release of vasoconstrictors such as angiotensin II and endothelin. Vasoconstriction further worsens the ischemia and increases the blood pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The thyroid gland is cancerous is not a correct description of a goiter. A goiter is a non-specific term that refers to any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may have various causes and may or may not be associated with thyroid cancer.
Choice B reason: The client has a low serum calcium level is not a correct description of a goiter. A low serum calcium level is a sign of hypoparathyroidism, which is a condition that affects the parathyroid glands, not the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid gland and regulate the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.
Choice C reason: The thyroid gland has been surgically removed is not a correct description of a goiter. A goiter is a condition that involves the presence of an enlarged thyroid gland, not the absence of it. A surgical removal of the thyroid gland is called a thyroidectomy, which may be done for various reasons such as thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, or large goiters.
Choice D reason: The thyroid gland is enlarged is the best description of a goiter. A goiter is a condition that involves the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be due to iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, inflammation, infection, benign nodules, or thyroid hormone imbalance. A goiter may cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking, hoarseness, cough, or neck discomfort.
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