While percussing the borders of the heart, the nurse picks up an area of dullness beginning at the 5th left intercostal space and moving upward to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. What do these findings indicate?

Expected finding.

Cardiac enlargement.

Benign variation.

Cardiac atrophy.

None

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Cardiac enlargement:
This is the most likely interpretation of the findings. A significant area of dullness across a larger portion of the chest, as described, suggests that the heart is enlarged (cardiomegaly). Enlargement of the heart may result from various conditions, such as heart failure, hypertension, or valvular disease, leading to increased cardiac size and the shift in the percussion borders. This could indicate that the heart has expanded beyond its normal anatomical limits, and further assessment, such as imaging, would be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Review the client’s serum electrolyte:
While electrolyte imbalances can cause various neurological symptoms, including paresthesia, reviewing serum electrolytes may not directly identify additional findings consistent with the client's paresthesia. It is essential to assess electrolytes for overall health status but may not immediately address the client's reported symptoms.

B) Check distal phalanges capillary refill:
Assessing capillary refill is important for evaluating peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion, but it may not provide direct information about the client's paresthesia. Capillary refill primarily assesses vascular function rather than neurological symptoms like paresthesia.

C) Observe skin for erythema, edema, and warmth:
Observing the skin for signs of inflammation, such as erythema, edema, and warmth, is essential for assessing possible causes of paresthesia, such as inflammation or injury. However, it may not directly identify additional findings consistent with the client's reported paresthesia.

D) Evaluate client's muscle strength and hand grips:
Assessing muscle strength and hand grips can provide valuable information about neurological function and may reveal additional findings consistent with the client's paresthesia. Weakness or changes in muscle strength may accompany paresthesia, indicating potential neurological involvement. Therefore, evaluating muscle strength and hand grips is a crucial action to assess the extent and impact of the client's symptoms.

A. Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field. B. Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes. C. Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm. D. Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Press the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field: The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for hearing high-pitched sounds, such as breath sounds, including adventitious lung sounds like crackles, wheezes, and rhonchi. Pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin ensures optimal transmission of these sounds, allowing for accurate assessment of the client's lung condition.

B) Use the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes: The bell of the stethoscope is designed to pick up low-pitched sounds and is typically used for heart sounds and vascular sounds. It is not the best choice for auscultating breath sounds in the lungs, which are better heard with the diaphragm.

C) Shave all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm: While chest hair can sometimes cause distortion, it is generally not necessary to shave the chest. Instead, pressing the diaphragm firmly against the skin can help minimize interference from chest hair. If needed, the nurse can also moisten the chest hair to reduce the sound interference.

D) Have the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest: Although certain positions can aid in auscultation, lying flat is not always necessary and can be uncomfortable for clients with respiratory issues. Sitting up or in a semi-recumbent position is generally more comfortable and effective for assessing lung sounds.

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While percussing the borders of the heart, the nurse picks up an area of dullness beginning at the 5th left intercostal space and moving upward to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. What do these findings indicate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is admitted for an acute stroke reports the onset of a burning sensation in the hands and legs. Which action should the nurse implement to identify additional findings that are consistent with the client's paresthesia?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A male client arrives at the clinic for follow-up health assessment after recent antibiotic treatment for pneumonia without hospitalization. Which technique should the nurse implement to assess for adventitious lung sounds?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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