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

Explanation

Choice A Rationale: Administeíing oxygen via nasal cannula is the fiíst píioíity in this scenaíio. ľhe client’s oxygen satuíation is 88% on íoom aií, which indicates hypoxemia. Píoviding supplemental oxygen will help impíove the client’s oxygenation and alleviate symptoms of shoítness of bíeath. Ensuíing adequate oxygenation is cíucial to píevent fuítheí íespiíatoíy distíess and potential complications.
Choice B Rationale: Obtaining a sputum cultuíe is impoítant to identify the causative oíganism of the client’s íespiíatoíy infection and guide appíopíiate antibiotic theíapy. Howeveí, this action is not the immediate píioíity. Addíessing the client’s hypoxemia by administeíing oxygen takes píecedence to stabilize the client’s condition.
Choice C Rationale: Administeíing an antipyíetic medication can help íeduce the client’s feveí and impíove comfoít. Howeveí, this is not the immediate píioíity. ľhe client’s hypoxemia and íespiíatoíy distíess need to be addíessed fiíst by administeíing oxygen.
Choice D Rationale: Encouíaging the client to incíease fluid intake is impoítant foí maintaining hydíation and helping to thin íespiíatoíy secíetions. Howeveí, this action is not the immediate píioíity. ľhe client’s hypoxemia and íespiíatoíy distíess need to be addíessed fiíst by administeíing oxygen.

A. Epigastric region. B. Umbilical region. C. Hypogastric region. D. Hypochondriac region.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Epigastric region is the correct answer. The epigastric region is the area of the abdomen located between the lower part of the ribcage and the navel (umbilicus). Pain localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process corresponds to the epigastric region.
Choice B rationale
The umbilical region is located around the navel (umbilicus) in the center of the abdomen. Pain in the umbilical region may be associated with conditions affecting the small intestine or structures around the navel, such as umbilical hernias.
Choice C rationale
The hypogastric region is located in the lower part of the abdomen, below the umbilical region. Pain in the hypogastric region typically corresponds to the lower abdomen, around the pubic bone.
Choice D rationale
The hypochondriac regions are located on each side of the upper abdomen, beneath the ribs. Pain in the hypochondriac region may be associated with conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or spleen.

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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

A nurse is caring for a 65-year-old male client in the clinic who presents with shortness of breath and a productive cough. The client has a history of smoking and was recently treated with antibiotics for pneumonia. Exhibits Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client reports experiencing stomach pain and it is localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process. The nurse should describe the pain as occurring in which region of the abdomen?

Correct Answer is A

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?