Upon auscultation of breath sounds, a nurse hears popping noises on inspiration and expiration. These sounds are indicative of which of these conditions?

obstructed or narrowed airways as in bronchospasm

inflammation of the pleura

fluid accumulation in the lungs

obstruction due to secretions blocking the airway

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Obstructed or narrowed airways as in bronchospasm: Bronchospasm typically causes wheezing, a high-pitched musical sound heard mainly on expiration due to narrowed airways. It does not produce the popping or crackling noises.

B. Inflammation of the pleura: Pleural inflammation leads to pleural friction rubs, which are grating or creaking sounds heard during both inspiration and expiration. These sounds are lower-pitched and different from the fine or coarse crackles associated with fluid.

C. Fluid accumulation in the lungs: Popping noises, or crackles (rales), are classic signs of fluid in the alveoli, often due to conditions like pulmonary edema or pneumonia. These sounds are usually heard on inspiration but may also occur on expiration in severe cases.

D. Obstruction due to secretions blocking the airway: Secretions cause rhonchi, which are coarse, low-pitched sounds that may clear with coughing. These differ in character from the fine or coarse crackles heard with fluid accumulation in lung tissue.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Administer an inhaled steroid such as Pulmicort:Inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term control of asthma and do not provide immediate relief during an acute episode. They take hours to days to reduce airway inflammation, making them unsuitable for urgent symptom relief.

B. Administer an anxiolytic such as diazepam:Asthma symptoms such as wheezing and decreased breath sounds are due to bronchoconstriction, not anxiety. Anxiolytics may suppress respiratory drive and are not appropriate or effective for treating acute asthma.

C. Administer an oral steroid such as prednisone:Oral corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation during an asthma exacerbation, but their onset is delayed. They are used after the acute phase is managed, not as a first-line intervention for immediate symptom relief.

D. Administer a short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) such as albuterol:SABAs provide rapid bronchodilation and are the first-line treatment for acute asthma symptoms. They relax bronchial smooth muscle, quickly relieving wheezing and restoring airflow.

A. The client's sodium and chloride levels will rise. B. The client's arterial blood gas results will reflect acidosis. C. The client will lose consciousness. D. The client will complain of facial numbness and tingling.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The client's sodium and chloride levels will rise:CO₂ retention affects acid-base balance more directly than it affects electrolyte concentrations like sodium or chloride. Changes in these levels may occur in severe or chronic cases, but they are not the initial response.

B. The client's arterial blood gas results will reflect acidosis:When CO₂ accumulates in the blood due to hypoventilation, it forms carbonic acid, lowering blood pH. This results in respiratory acidosis, which is typically the earliest and most direct physiological response to CO₂ retention.

C. The client will lose consciousness:Loss of consciousness may occur if CO₂ levels rise dramatically and go uncorrected. However, this is a late sign of severe respiratory failure, not the initial or most sensitive indicator.

D. The client will complain of facial numbness and tingling:These symptoms are more characteristic of respiratory alkalosis, often due to hyperventilation, not CO₂ retention. In respiratory acidosis, symptoms are more likely to include drowsiness, confusion, or headache.

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Upon auscultation of breath sounds, a nurse hears popping noises on inspiration and expiration. These sounds are indicative of which of these conditions?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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