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

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

You have auscultated fine crackles in both the right and left lower lobes in a postoperative patient. What is the longest period of time you should allow to pass before you auscultate the breath sounds again?

  • A. 1 hour
  • B. 2 hours
  • C. 3 hours
  • D. 4 hours
  • E. 5 hours
  • F. 8 hours
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Crackles may indicate fluid overload or atelectasis, requiring reassessment within 1 hour to monitor changes.