Nokea
A client with a pleural effusion is being assessed by a nurse. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased breath sounds on the affected side. In a pleural effusion, fluid accumulates in the pleural space, leading to decreased air entry and diminished breath sounds on auscultation. This occurs because the fluid dampens the transmission of sound through the lungs.
B: Hyperresonance on percussion of the affected side is not expected in pleural effusion, as it is typically associated with conditions like pneumothorax.
C: Increased tactile fremitus on the affected side is not a typical finding in pleural effusion. Tactile fremitus may be decreased due to the presence of fluid.
D: Tracheal deviation toward the affected side is more commonly seen in conditions like tension pneumothorax, not pleural effusion.