While assessing a client, the nurse notes an audible expiratory wheeze and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

Auscultate all lobes of the client's lungs.

Place the client in low Fowler's position.

Administer a respiratory aerosol treatment.

Provide oxygen at 2 L/minute via face mask.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Auscultating all lobes of the lungs is an important step in a comprehensive respiratory assessment. It helps the nurse assess the presence and distribution of abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezing, and evaluate the overall condition of the lungs. While this is a crucial part of the assessment process, it is more of a diagnostic step rather than an immediate intervention for managing respiratory distress.
B.   Placing the client in a low Fowler's position (45 degrees) can help improve ventilation and comfort, especially if they are experiencing difficulty breathing. However, in the context of audible wheezing and elevated respiratory rate, more immediate interventions to address the underlying issue are typically required.
C.   Administering a respiratory aerosol treatment (such as a bronchodilator) is a direct intervention to address wheezing, which is often caused by bronchoconstriction or inflammation. Aerosol treatments can help open the airways and relieve wheezing, making this a priority action for managing the symptoms described.
D.   Providing supplemental oxygen can be beneficial if the client is experiencing hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels). However, the need for oxygen should be determined based on the client's oxygen saturation levels and overall clinical picture. While oxygen can support breathing, it does not address the underlying cause of wheezing or the elevated respiratory rate directly.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Asking the client to swallow while palpating along the sides of the trachea helps in assessing the thyroid gland's size and mobility. The thyroid gland is located just below the larynx, and during swallowing, it moves upward, which can make it easier to palpate and identify any enlargement or nodules.
B. Palpating deeply and firmly might not be necessary and could be uncomfortable for the client. Gentle palpation is usually adequate for assessing the thyroid gland. Excessive force is not recommended as it may not yield additional information and could cause discomfort.
C. If the thyroid gland is not visible, documenting that it is normal without further assessment may not be accurate. The gland could be enlarged (goiter) or have other abnormalities that are not apparent on visual inspection alone. Accurate documentation should include findings from palpation and other assessment techniques.
D. Deferring the thyroid exam and focusing on signs of myxedema is not ideal in this situation. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can have various signs, but the immediate need is to assess the thyroid gland directly for goiter or other abnormalities. It is essential to perform a thorough examination and not rely solely on observation of symptoms that might appear later.

A. Inspection. B. Percussion. C. Palpation. D. Auscultation.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. In the context of detecting papilledema, "inspection" refers to using an ophthalmoscope to examine the optic disc for swelling. Papilledema, which is swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure, can only be observed through this direct examination of the eye’s interior. This technique is the most appropriate and accurate for confirming papilledema as it allows the nurse to visually inspect the optic disc for signs of swelling or other abnormalities.
B. Percussion involves tapping on the body to assess underlying structures and is commonly used in evaluating lung and abdominal sounds. It is not used for assessing the optic nerve or papilledema. Therefore, percussion is not relevant for confirming the presence of papilledema.
C. Palpation involves feeling the body’s surface to assess for abnormalities such as swelling or
tenderness. It is used for evaluating various parts of the body but does not apply to detecting papilledema. Papilledema involves changes to the optic nerve head, which cannot be assessed through palpation.
D. Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds using a stethoscope, such as heartbeats, lung sounds, or abdominal sounds. This technique is not used to assess the optic disc or detect papilledema. It is not relevant for the diagnosis of conditions affecting the optic nerve.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

While assessing a client, the nurse notes an audible expiratory wheeze and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing a client for goiter and is unable to observe the thyroid gland. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which assessment technique should the nurse use to confirm the presence of papilledema in a client with a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

During a routine health screening of an adult female, the nurse notes several changes that have occurred over the past year. Which change indicates the need for a bone density screening?

The nurse is assessing older clients in a community health clinic. Which assessment finding is an indicator for immediate medical follow-up?

While performing a health history the nurse asks the client, "You don't use recreational drugs, do you?" This approach is most likely to elicit which response from the client?

The nurse is examining the abdomen of an older male client who expresses suprapubic tenderness on palpation. The client reports that it sometimes feels like there is still pressure in that area after urination. Which additional finding should the nurse expect with continued interview of the client?

When assessing a 24-year-old body-builder, the nurse is unable to palpate an apical pulse. Which action should the nurse implement?

To assess for muscle atrophy in the legs, which action should the nurse take?

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?