health assessment exam 2 test bank Related

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The nurse hears bilateral, louder, longer, and lower pitched tones when percussing over the lungs of a 4-year-old chilWhat should the nurse do next?

  • A. Palpate over the area to identify increased pain and tenderness.
  • B. Ask the child to take shallow breaths, and percuss over the area again.
  • C. Refer the child immediately because of suspicion of an increased amount of air in the lungs.
  • D. Consider this a normal finding for a child this age, and proceed with the examination.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because in children, the lung sounds can be different due to their thinner chest walls and more prominent bronchial markings. The louder, longer, and lower-pitched tones heard upon percussion are normal findings in pediatric patients, indicating increased air content in the lungs. Palpating for pain or tenderness (choice A) is not necessary as these findings are expected in children. Asking the child to take shallow breaths and percussing again (choice B) is not needed as the initial findings are normal for the age group. Referring the child immediately (choice C) is unnecessary as these findings are within the normal range for a 4-year-old.