Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Physical Assessment Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Physical Assessment related questions and content

A patient was admitted yesterday with pneumonia. When auscultating his breath sounds you detect rales in the right lower lobe. How quickly should you reassess this abnormal finding?

  • A. Within 15 minutes
  • B. Within 60 minutes
  • C. In less than 2 hours
  • D. In 4 hours or less
  • E. When the patient complains of dyspnea
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rales (crackles) indicate fluid in the lungs, requiring reassessment within 2 hours to monitor for worsening pneumonia or respiratory distress.