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 C
Explanation
A. Supine is not recommended, as it can make breathing more difficult by limiting chest expansion.
B. Trendelenberg is not suitable for someone with breathing difficulties, as this position can worsen dyspnea.
C. High-Fowler is the best position for an asthma patient experiencing shortness of breath as it promotes lung expansion and allows for maximum chest wall movement.
D. Semi-Fowler may help but is less effective than High-Fowler in cases of acute respiratory distress.
E. Left-lateral does not optimize chest expansion and is not typically recommended for respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
A. Asking about shortness of breath is critical subjective data that indicates respiratory distress.
B. Palpating for masses is more of a physical assessment and does not yield subjective data.
C. Inspecting skin and nails is also part of the objective assessment rather than subjective data.
D. Inquiring about the color and quantity of sputum provides important subjective data related to respiratory function.
E. Auscultation is an objective assessment technique and does not pertain to subjective data.