While auscultating a client's breath sounds, the nurse hears vesicular sounds in the bases of both lungs posteriorly. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
Continue with the remainder of the client's physical assessment.
Report the client's abnormal lung sounds to the healthcare provider.
Ask the client to cough and then auscultate at the site again.
Measure the client's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Continue with the remainder of the client's physical assessment:
Vesicular breath sounds are normal breath sounds heard over the peripheral lung fields. Hearing vesicular sounds in the bases of both lungs posteriorly indicates normal air movement in the lungs. Therefore, there is no immediate concern or need for further action related to this finding. The nurse should continue with the remainder of the client's physical assessment.
B) Report the client's abnormal lung sounds to the healthcare provider:
Vesicular breath sounds are considered normal lung sounds and do not warrant reporting as abnormal. Reporting this finding to the healthcare provider would not be appropriate and may lead to unnecessary concern or intervention.
C) Ask the client to cough and then auscultate at the site again:
Coughing would not be necessary in response to hearing vesicular breath sounds, as these are normal lung sounds. Repeating the auscultation may not provide additional information beyond confirming the presence of normal breath sounds.
D) Measure the client's oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter:
Measuring oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter is not indicated in response to hearing vesicular breath sounds. These breath sounds are normal and do not necessarily indicate a problem with oxygenation. Therefore, measuring oxygen saturation would not be the appropriate action in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Intranasal edema and swelling of turbinates:
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to allergen exposure. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea. Intranasal edema and swelling of the turbinates are common findings in allergic rhinitis due to the body's immune response to allergens.
B) Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage:
Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage are more indicative of a bacterial infection rather than allergic rhinitis. In allergic rhinitis, nasal discharge is typically clear and watery.
C) Purulent secretions from eyes and nares:
Purulent secretions from the eyes and nares suggest a bacterial infection rather than allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis typically presents with clear nasal discharge, while purulent secretions are more commonly associated with bacterial sinusitis or conjunctivitis.
D) Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules:
Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules are not characteristic findings of allergic rhinitis. Snoring may be associated with nasal congestion, but pale gray nodules are not typically observed in allergic rhinitis. These findings may indicate other nasal or upper airway conditions such as nasal polyps or adenoid hypertrophy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Aortic site:
The aortic site is relevant for cardiac assessment but not for auscultating breath sounds.
B) Sternum:
The sternum is a bony structure and not an optimal location to start auscultating breath sounds as it can interfere with sound transmission.
C) Lung apex:
Auscultating at the lung apex, which is located just above the clavicle, is the appropriate starting point for assessing anterior breath sounds. This ensures that the upper parts of the lungs are examined first.
D) Clavicle:
While the area near the clavicle is relevant, it is more precise to refer to the lung apex, which includes the area just above the clavicle, for starting the auscultation of breath sounds.
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