Which respiratory assessment finding will most likely indicate the client is exhibiting asthma?
respiratory wheezing
normal breath sounds
lung sounds clear to auscultation
decreased respiratory rate
The Correct Answer is A
A. Wheezing is a high-pitched, musical sound produced by narrowed airways. It is a common and classic finding in asthma due to the bronchoconstriction that occurs during an asthma exacerbation. The presence of wheezing on auscultation is a strong indicator of asthma, as it reflects the turbulent airflow through constricted bronchi.
B. Normal breath sounds would generally not indicate asthma. In the absence of an asthma attack or during periods of remission, a person with asthma might have normal breath sounds. However, during an asthma exacerbation, the breath sounds are more likely to be abnormal, such as wheezing or decreased breath sounds if airflow is severely compromised.
C. Clear lung sounds on auscultation would typically indicate that there are no abnormal sounds such as wheezes, crackles, or rhonchi. In the context of asthma, clear lung sounds could be heard if the asthma is well-controlled or if the client is not currently experiencing an exacerbation.
D. A decreased respiratory rate (bradypnea) is not a typical finding in asthma. During an asthma exacerbation, clients often experience tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) due to difficulty breathing and the increased effort required to breathe.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Tachypnea refers to an increased respiratory rate. It is used when a client is breathing faster than normal. While tachypnea could be associated with difficulty breathing, it specifically denotes a faster- than-normal rate of breathing, not the sensation of breathlessness or difficulty.
B. Bradypnea is the term used for a slower-than-normal respiratory rate. If a client’s breathing rate is slower than usual, bradypnea would be the appropriate term. However, this term does not describe the sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
C. Eupnea is the term for normal, unlabored breathing. This term is used when the client’s breathing is neither too fast nor too slow and is comfortable. It does not apply to the situation described, where the client is experiencing difficulty breathing.
D. Dyspnea refers to the sensation of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It is the term used to describe the subjective experience of feeling like one cannot get enough air or is having trouble breathing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While abnormal bronchial breath sounds can indicate underlying pathology, they are not typically considered immediately life-threatening.
B. Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma and other conditions that cause airway narrowing. While it can be uncomfortable and distressing, it is not typically considered a life-threatening emergency.
C. Absent breath sounds can indicate a collapsed lung or other serious respiratory condition. However, it is not as immediately life-threatening as stridor, which indicates a severe airway obstruction.
D. Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by obstruction or narrowing of the upper airway (larynx or trachea). It is often associated with conditions like croup, epiglottitis, or an allergic reaction leading to airway swelling. Stridor indicates a significant obstruction in the upper airway that can rapidly lead to severe respiratory distress or compromise.
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