Which of the following findings is most commonly associated with pleural effusion during a respiratory assessment?
Wheezing heard on auscultation over the affected area
Dullness to percussion over the affected area
increased tactile fremitus over the affected area
Hyperresonance to percussion over the affected area
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Wheezing is associated with airway obstruction (e.g., asthma or COPD), not pleural effusion.
B. Dullness to percussion is a classic finding in pleural effusion because fluid in the pleural space dampens the sound produced during percussion.
C. Increased tactile fremitus occurs with consolidation (e.g., pneumonia), whereas pleural effusion usually decreases fremitus due to fluid separating the lung tissue from the chest wall.
D. Hyperresonance is characteristic of conditions with excess air in the lungs, such as pneumothorax or emphysema, not pleural effusion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administering antibiotics is essential for treating the infection, but it does not provide immediate relief from hypoxia or respiratory distress.
B. Chest physiotherapy can help mobilize secretions, but it is supportive and not the priority when the patient is experiencing acute breathing difficulty.
C. Encouraging fluid intake helps thin secretions but does not address immediate oxygenation needs.
D. Administering supplemental oxygen is the priority intervention because it directly improves oxygenation and alleviates hypoxemia, which is critical in a patient with pneumonia experiencing difficulty breathing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Decreased urinary output is not a compensatory response; it may indicate dehydration or renal dysfunction.
B. Increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism. The low bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻ 18 mEq/L) indicates metabolic acidosis, and the body compensates by increasing ventilation to lower PaCO₂ and help normalize pH.
C. Peripheral edema is not a compensatory response to acid-base imbalance; it relates to fluid retention or cardiac issues.
D. Hypertension is unrelated to acid-base compensation; it may be present due to other comorbidities but is not a compensatory mechanism.
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