When assessing an adult client, the nurse notes that the client has unequal lung expansion. Which conclusion regarding this finding is most likely to be accurate?

There is a history of COPD.

The client has a collapsed lung

The client's lungs are functioning normally.

A chronic lung infection is the likely condition.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can lead to decreased lung function and abnormalities in lung expansion. However, COPD typically results in a more generalized decrease in lung expansion and breath sounds, rather than pronounced unilateral inequality. While COPD can cause irregularities in lung expansion, it is less likely to cause significant unilateral differences in lung expansion.
B. Unequal lung expansion is a key sign of a collapsed lung, or pneumothorax. When a lung collapses, the affected side will show reduced or absent expansion compared to the unaffected side. This is because the collapsed lung cannot expand properly during inhalation, leading to noticeable differences in breath sounds and lung movement on physical examination.
C. If the client's lungs were functioning normally, one would expect to observe symmetrical lung expansion. Unequal lung expansion is not a normal finding and usually indicates some form of pathology or abnormality in the lung or thoracic cavity. Normal lung function should result in even expansion of both lungs.
D. Chronic lung infections, such as tuberculosis or severe pneumonia, might cause abnormalities in lung sounds or localized lung issues, but they are less likely to cause pronounced unilateral differences in lung expansion. While they can affect lung function, they typically do not cause the same degree of unilateral expansion issues as a pneumothorax would.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Vellus hair is fine, short, and lightly pigmented hair that covers most of the body. It is not typically associated with the effects of hair dye or chemical treatments. Excess vellus hair would be unusual in this context and is not related to the typical outcomes of hair dyeing.
B. Fine, thin, and limp hair can be a result of chemical damage from hair dyeing and other treatments. Hair that has been subjected to frequent dyeing and chemical processing can lose its strength and texture, becoming weaker and less resilient. This finding is consistent with the impact of repeated hair dyeing.
C. A receding front hairline is typically associated with genetic factors and androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) rather than the effects of hair dyeing. Although hair loss can be influenced by various factors, including chemicals, a receding hairline is not a direct consequence of dyeing hair.
D. Coarse, dry, and brittle hair is a common result of frequent chemical treatments, including hair dyeing. Chemicals in hair dyes can strip moisture from the hair, leading to a rough texture, breakage, and brittleness. This finding is consistent with long-term use of hair dye and chemical processing.

A. Since this client has only a small area of crepitus, it probably is not a significant finding. B. Crepitus is always abnormal and should be followed-up with a more detailed assessment. C. Trapped subcutaneous air causing crepitus will be absorbed, so the finding is not significant. D. Since a fractured rib often creates crepitus, a chest x-ray should be scheduled immediately.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The presence of crepitus, regardless of size, indicates air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue, which can be associated with various conditions including trauma, infection, or underlying lung issues. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the finding further rather than assuming it is insignificant.
B. This is the most accurate interpretation. Crepitus is indeed an abnormal finding and warrants further investigation. Its presence can indicate underlying issues such as subcutaneous emphysema, which may be related to trauma, infections, or other conditions that need to be addressed. A more detailed assessment, including possible imaging or additional diagnostic tests, should be pursued to determine the cause and appropriate management.
C. While it is true that subcutaneous air can be absorbed over time, the presence of crepitus is still an abnormal finding that needs to be evaluated. The underlying cause of the trapped air must be identified, as it may indicate an injury or other health issues that require intervention. Simply assuming that it will resolve on its own without further investigation could overlook a potentially serious condition.
D. While a fractured rib can cause crepitus, this finding alone does not necessarily mean an immediate chest x-ray is required. The decision to order an x-ray should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the client’s symptoms, history, and physical examination findings. Although a rib fracture is a possible cause, other conditions such as subcutaneous emphysema or infections should also be considered.

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When assessing an adult client, the nurse notes that the client has unequal lung expansion. Which conclusion regarding this finding is most likely to be accurate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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