Nokea
While assessing a patient who has pneumonia, the nurse has the patient repeat the letter E while the nurse auscultates. The nurse notes that the patients voice sounds are distorted and that the letter A is audible instead of the letter E. How should this finding be documented?
- A. Bronchophony
- B. Egophony
- C. Whispered pectoriloquy
- D. Sonorous wheezes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This finding would be documented as egophony, which can be best assessed by instructing the patient to repeat the letter E. The distortion produced by consolidation transforms the sound into a clearly heard A rather than E. Bronchophony describes vocal resonance that is more intense and clearer than normal. Whispered pectoriloquy is a very subtle finding that is heard only in the presence of rather dense consolidation of the lungs. Sound is so enhanced by the consolidated tissue that even whispered words are heard. Sonorous wheezes are not defined as a voice sound, but rather as a breath sound.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse educator is reviewing the implications of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve with regard to the case of a current patient. The patient currently has normal hemoglobin levels, but significantly decreased SaO2 and PaO2 levels. What is an implication of this physiological state?
- A. The patients tissue demands may be met, but she will be unable to respond to physiological stressors.
- B. The patients short-term oxygen needs will be met, but she will be unable to expel sufficient CO2.
- C. The patient will experience tissue hypoxia with no sensation of shortness of breath or labored breathing.
- D. The patient will experience respiratory alkalosis with no ability to compensate.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: With a normal hemoglobin level of 15 mg/dL and a PaO2 level of 40 mm Hg (SaO2 75%), there is adequate oxygen available for the tissues, but no reserve for physiological stresses that increase tissue oxygen demand. If a serious incident occurs (e.g., bronchospasm, aspiration, hypotension, or cardiac dysrhythmias) that reduces the intake of oxygen from the lungs, tissue hypoxia results.
A patient has a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The nurse is aware that neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis may lead to a decreased vital capacity. What does vital capacity measure?
- A. The volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath
- B. The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration
- C. The maximal volume of air inhaled after normal expiration
- D. The maximal volume of air exhaled from the point of maximal inspiration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vital capacity is measured by having the patient take in a maximal breath and exhale fully through a spirometer. Vital lung capacity is the maximal volume of air exhaled from the point of maximal inspiration, and neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis may lead to a decreased vital capacity. Tidal volume is defined as the volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath. The volume of air in the lungs after a maximal inspiration is the total lung capacity. Inspiratory capacity is the maximal volume of air inhaled after normal expiration.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has been scheduled for a bronchoscopy. How should the nurse prepare the patient for this procedure?
- A. Administer a bolus of IV fluids.
- B. Arrange for the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
- C. Administer nebulized bronchodilators every 2 hours until the test.
- D. Withhold food and fluids for several hours before the test.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Food and fluids are withheld for 4 to 8 hours before the test to reduce the risk of aspiration when the cough reflex is blocked by anesthesia. IV fluids, bronchodilators, and a central line are unnecessary.
The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment of a patient who has been experiencing episodes of hypoxia. The nurse is aware that this is ultimately attributable to impaired gas exchange. On what factor does adequate gas exchange primarily depend?
- A. An appropriate perfusion-diffusion ratio
- B. An adequate ventilation-perfusion ratio
- C. Adequate diffusion of gas in shunted blood
- D. Appropriate blood nitrogen concentration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adequate gas exchange depends on an adequate ventilation-perfusion ratio. There is no perfusion-diffusion ratio. Adequate gas exchange does not depend on the diffusion of gas in shunted blood or a particular concentration of nitrogen.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has returned to the unit following a bronchoscopy. The patient is asking for something to drink. Which criterion will determine when the nurse should allow the patient to drink fluids?
- A. Presence of a cough and gag reflex
- B. Absence of nausea
- C. Ability to demonstrate deep inspiration
- D. Oxygen saturation of 92%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After the procedure, it is important that the patient takes nothing by mouth until the cough reflex returns because the preoperative sedation and local anesthesia impair the protective laryngeal reflex and swallowing for several hours. Deep inspiration, adequate oxygen saturation levels, and absence of nausea do not indicate that oral intake is safe from the risk of aspiration.