Which assessment finding, obtained during chest auscultation, should the nurse consider a normal finding?

Blowing, hollow sounds above sternum.

Slight crackling throughout lung fields.

Faint whistling over both lung bases.

Right breath sounds louder than left.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Blowing or hollow sounds above the sternum are abnormal and may suggest a condition like aortic or pulmonary disease. Such sounds are not typical during routine chest auscultation and may indicate pathology like bronchial obstruction or an abnormal vascular sound.
B.   Slight crackling sounds, also known as "rales" or "crackles," may be indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, often seen in conditions like pneumonia or congestive heart failure. These are not considered normal findings and warrant further evaluation.
C.   Faint whistling sounds may be indicative of wheezing, which is often a sign of airway narrowing or obstruction, as seen in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing is not typically considered normal and should be investigated further.
D.   Right-sided breath sounds being louder than the left could be a normal finding in certain individuals, depending on factors like body position or anatomical variations. In a healthy individual, this difference may not indicate pathology unless associated with other symptoms such as asymmetry in lung sounds or dyspnea.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is an appropriate first step in documenting any unusual findings during the assessment. However, based on the presence of dense white patches, the nurse should consider a referral for further evaluation, rather than just recording the findings.
B. The dense white patches seen on the tympanic membrane are more likely related to past ear infections (such as tympanosclerosis) or other conditions, not excess wax. Cleaning the ears would not address the underlying cause and could potentially cause harm.
C. This could be a reasonable action if there were concerns about hearing loss. However, the tympanic membranes appear mostly normal apart from the white patches, so hearing loss is not strongly indicated by the findings alone. A referral might be premature unless hearing issues are suspected.
D. The dense white patches on the tympanic membranes could be indicative of tympanosclerosis, a benign condition related to previous infections or tube insertions, but fungal growth is not the most likely cause in this case.

A. Bronchitis. B. Asthma. C. Pneumonia. D. Pneumothorax.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Bronchitis may cause wheezing, but it typically presents with a productive cough and can be associated with fever, which this client does not have. The absence of a productive cough and the degree of difficulty breathing suggest another condition.
B. Asthma is the most likely diagnosis. The client’s wheezing, decreased tactile fremitus, prolonged expirations, and history of exercise-induced symptoms are consistent with an asthma exacerbation. Asthma often presents with wheezing and difficulty breathing, especially during or after physical exertion.
C. Pneumonia typically presents with fever, chills, productive cough, and localized lung findings, which are not present in this client. The lack of fever and the presence of wheezing make pneumonia unlikely.
D. Pneumothorax may cause dyspnea and decreased breath sounds, but the wheezing, prolonged expirations, and history of exertion suggest asthma as the primary concern. A pneumothorax would typically present with more abrupt onset and significant breath sounds asymmetry, which is not seen in this case.

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Which assessment finding, obtained during chest auscultation, should the nurse consider a normal finding?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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