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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or incomplete expansion of a lung or a portion of a lung. It can cause decreased breath sounds and dullness upon percussion, but it is less likely to present with a fever as high as 102.1°F. However, atelectasis can occur secondary to an obstructive pneumonia, making the distinction important in clinical settings.
B. Pulmonary obstruction, such as from an obstruction of the airway or bronchus, might cause symptoms like difficulty breathing and decreased oxygen saturation. However, it would less commonly present with fever and localized crackles.
C. Pneumonia often presents with symptoms such as fever (elevated temperature of 102.1°F), increased respiratory rate (30 breaths per minute), decreased oxygen saturation (90% on room air), and abnormal lung findings. The decreased expansion and dullness over the right lung, along with crackles (rales) heard in the right lower lobe, are indicative of fluid accumulation and inflammation in the lung, which are characteristic of pneumonia.
D. Acute bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchi and is often associated with a cough, sputum production, and sometimes fever. However, it typically presents with a productive cough and wheezing rather than localized dullness and crackles confined to one lobe.

A. The nurse should count the respirations in an unobtrusive manner without informing the client. B. The nurse should inform the client that they are preparing to count the client's respirations. C. The nurse should place a hand on the client's chest to count respirations. D. The nurse should count when the respirations are audible.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Counting respirations unobtrusively helps ensure the client does not alter their breathing pattern due to the awareness of being observed. This method is generally preferred because it provides a more accurate assessment of the client's normal respiratory rate.
B. If the client is informed that their respirations are being counted, they may unconsciously alter their breathing pattern due to nervousness or the desire to appear normal. This could result in an inaccurate assessment of their true respiratory rate.
C. Placing a hand on the client's chest can be helpful in assessing the depth and evenness of respirations. However, this method might cause the client to become aware of the assessment and could lead to a change in their breathing pattern.
D. Counting respirations only when they are audible can be problematic. Audible respirations are not always present and may not accurately reflect the client’s full respiratory rate. This method may miss periods of quiet breathing and thus provide an incomplete assessment of the respiratory rate.

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Which respiratory assessment finding will most likely indicate the client is exhibiting asthma?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Upon assessment, the nurse noted a temperature of 102.1, respirations of 30 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation of 90% on room air, decreased expansion and dullness over the right lung, and crackles heard on the right lower lobe. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assessing the client's respiratory system. Which method will result in the most accurate assessment of the client's respiratory rate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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