Nokea
A nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client who has a history of a respiratory infection. Which documentation, completed by the nurse, indicates improvement in an area of the lung affected by the infection?
- A. Lung fields documented as clear.
- B. Palpable vibrations over the chest wall when the client speaks.
- C. Decreased fremitus when the client feels the vibration in their chest.
- D. Dull sounds percussed over the lung tissue.
- E. Bronchial sounds heard only in the affected area.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To determine if the client's respiratory infection has resolved, the nurse should assess the client's normal respiratory status. Lungs will return to clear breath sounds. Palpable vibrations will be felt ,as they may be normal if there is no infection in the lungs. A client with consolidation of a lobe of the lung from pneumonia has increased tactile fremitus over that lobe. A decreased fremitus would indicate resolution of infection. Bronchial sounds will be noted over the upper lung fields. An increased fremitus is noted as the client speaks '99.' Dull percussed sounds indicate an area of consolidation or infection.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a client who states, 'I am really worried about the thoracentesis. I know I won't be able to sleep tonight.' Which statement is most helpful to the client at this time?
- A. Tell me what you are worried about.'
- B. Is there something that I can help you with?'
- C. Is there someone that you would like me to call to be with you?'
- D. The physician will see you before the procedure and can answer any questions.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A thoracentesis is performed by inserting a needle into the wall under local anesthesia. The thoracentesis is often done at the bedside. Providing support to the client before, during, and after the treatment is a nursing responsibility. When the client expresses being worried, asking an open-ended question promotes communication and is most therapeutic. Asking if there is something that a nurse can do is a closed-ended question. Asking about calling someone to be with the client makes the nurse seem uninterested. Talking with the physician closes communication with the nurse, making the nurse seem uninterested.
The nurse is caring for a client who is in respiratory distress. The physician orders arterial blood gases (ABGs) to determine various factors related to blood oxygenation. What site can ABGs be obtained from?
- A. A puncture at the radial artery
- B. The trachea and bronchi
- C. The pleural surfaces
- D. A catheter in the arm vein
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ABGs determine the blood's pH, oxygen-carrying capacity, levels of oxygen, CO2, and bicarbonate ion. Blood gas samples are obtained through an arterial puncture at the radial, brachial, or femoral artery. A client also may have an indwelling arterial catheter from which arterial samples are obtained. Blood gas samples are not obtained from the pleural surfaces or trachea and bronchi.
The nurse is caring for a client with hypoxemia of unknown cause. Which oxygen transport consideration(s) does the nurse identify as crucial to circulate oxygen in the body system? Select all that apply.
- A. Oxygen is dissolved.
- B. High blood pressure disrupts oxygen transport.
- C. Oxyhemoglobin circulates to the body tissue.
- D. All systemic oxygen is available for diffusion.
- E. Adequate red blood cells are needed for oxygen transport.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: Oxygen transport occurs by dissolving oxygen in the water in the plasma and combining oxygen with red blood cells (oxyhemoglobin). Normal red blood cell count is needed for oxygen transport. High blood pressure does not disrupt transport unless there is disruption in perfusion via a bleeding or occlusion. Dissolved oxygen is the only form which can diffuse across cell membranes.
The nurse is caring for an adolescent client injured in a snowboarding accident. The client has a head injury, a fractured right rib, and various abrasions and contusions. The client has a blood pressure of 142/88 mm Hg, pulse of 102 beats/minute, and respirations of 26 breaths/minute. Which laboratory test best provides data on a potential impairment in ventilation?
- A. Blood gases
- B. Complete blood count
- C. Blood chemistry
- D. Serum alkaline phosphate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blood gases report the partial pressure of oxygen, which is dissolved in the blood. Normal readings are 80 to 100 mm Hg. By documenting oxygen levels in the blood, the nurse recognizes the current ventilation. The complete blood count provides information regarding number of blood cells, which can relate to the disease processes such as anemia and infection. The blood chemistry provides information on liver/renal function and electrolytes within the system. Serum alkaline phosphate is a laboratory test used to help detect liver disease and bone disorders.
A nurse is obtaining a health history from a client who reports hemoptysis for the past 2 months. The client reports occasional dyspnea. Which imaging study, ordered by the physician, will view the thoracic cavity while in motion?
- A. Fluoroscopy
- B. Chest x-ray
- C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- D. Computed tomography (CT) scan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluoroscopy enables the physician to view the thoracic cavity with all of its contents in motion. A fluoroscopy more precisely diagnoses the location of a tumor or lesion. An x-ray shows the size, shape, and position of the lungs. An MRI and CT produce axial views of the lungs.