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?

Benign variation.

Cardiac enlargement.

Cardiac atrophy.

Expected finding.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
A benign variation would not typically present with a pattern of dullness extending from the 5th left intercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. This pattern suggests an abnormality rather than a benign variation.
Choice B rationale
Cardiac enlargement is indicated by an area of dullness extending from the 5th left intercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. This finding suggests an enlarged heart, which can be due to conditions such as cardiomegaly or left ventricular hypertrophy.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac atrophy refers to a decrease in the size or mass of the heart muscle, resulting in a smaller than normal heart. The described findings indicate dullness extending upward, suggesting an enlargement rather than atrophy of the heart.
Choice D rationale
An expected finding would not typically present with the described pattern of dullness. The normal area of cardiac dullness is more limited and does not extend as described.

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Correct Answer is ["A","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Packs of cigarettes smoked per day is essential information for calculating smoking pack years.
Choice B rationale
The number of attempts to quit smoking is not required for calculating smoking pack years.
Choice C rationale
The client’s current age is not required for calculating smoking pack years.
Choice D rationale
While this helps you calculate the total years if the client hasn't done the math themselves, the ageitself is not a variable in the final formula.
Choice E rationale
The number of years the client smoked is essential for calculating smoking pack years.

A. Audible thud without pain. B. Sharp, severe pain. C. Rebound tenderness. D. Rigidity and firmness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
An audible thud without pain is a normal finding when percussing the costovertebral angle (CVA) in a healthy individual. This indicates that there is no inflammation or infection in the kidneys or surrounding tissues.
Choice B rationale
Sharp, severe pain upon percussion of the CVA is a classic sign of pyelonephritis. This pain is due to the inflammation and infection of the kidney, which causes tenderness in the area.
Choice C rationale
Rebound tenderness is typically associated with peritoneal irritation, such as in cases of appendicitis or peritonitis. It is not a common finding in pyelonephritis.
Choice D rationale
Rigidity and firmness are more indicative of muscle spasms or guarding, which can occur in conditions like peritonitis or severe abdominal pain, but not specifically in pyelonephritis.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While obtaining a client’s health history related to smoking cigarettes, the nurse plans to determine the client’s smoking pack years. What information should the nurse obtain for this calculation? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client with pyelonephritis who has urgency and burning while urinating. Which finding indicates an expected response when the nurse percusses the costovertebral angle?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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?