The nurse is on the medical/surgical floor is getting a new admission. The client is being admitted for shortness of breath (dyspnea). Which assessment finding would be of concern?
Respiratory rate of 20
Vesicular sounds heard in the lung periphery
Capillary refill time of 5 seconds
AP diameter of 1:2
Equal chest expansion
The Correct Answer is C
A. A respiratory rate of 20 is within the normal range for adults (12-20 breaths per minute), especially in someone experiencing dyspnea.
B. Vesicular sounds in the lung periphery are normal findings, particularly in healthy lung areas.
C. A capillary refill time of 5 seconds indicates poor perfusion and could suggest systemic issues or hypoxia, which is concerning in a patient with dyspnea.
D. An anteroposterior (AP) diameter of 1:2 is normal; a barrel chest might indicate chronic respiratory conditions but is not an immediate concern in this context.
E. Equal chest expansion is a normal finding and indicates effective respiratory mechanics.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Poor electrical impulse conduction may lead to arrhythmias but does not cause a murmur.
B. A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow, often through narrowed or leaking valves, creating an abnormal heart sound.
C. Left ventricular enlargement can contribute to other cardiac issues but does not directly cause murmurs.
D. Weak atrial contractions may lead to decreased cardiac output but not necessarily to a murmur.
E. While hypertension can affect the heart, it is not the direct cause of a murmur.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Calling another nurse for help is unnecessary unless additional assistance is required after initial interventions.
B. Giving pain medication as ordered may address the chest pain but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
C. Calling the admitting healthcare provider can be done later if symptoms do not improve, but the immediate priority is to improve oxygenation.
D. Telling the client to remain calm may help reduce anxiety but does not address the low oxygen saturation.
E. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula as ordered is the priority action to improve the client’s oxygen saturation and alleviate hypoxemia, which could be contributing to their chest pain.