Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses Related

Review Vital Signs Assessment for Nurses related questions and content

During an assessment of an adult, the nurse has noted unequal chest expansion and recognizes that this occurs in which situation?

  • A. In an obese patient.
  • B. When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed.
  • C. When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present.
  • D. When accessory muscles are used to augment respiratory effort.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: When part of the lung is obstructed or collapsed. Unequal chest expansion can occur when there is an obstruction or collapse of a portion of the lung, leading to decreased lung expansion on that side. This can result in one side of the chest moving less during breathing. Other options are incorrect because: A: In an obese patient - obesity may affect chest wall movement but does not directly cause unequal chest expansion. C: When bulging of the intercostal spaces is present - bulging of intercostal spaces may indicate increased work of breathing but does not necessarily lead to unequal chest expansion. D: When accessory muscles are used to augment respiratory effort - while accessory muscles may be used in respiratory distress, they do not directly cause unequal chest expansion.