The nurse obtains information when performing a focused assessment of a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been admitted with increasing dyspnea (shortness of breath) over the last 3 days. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?
Decreased lung sounds on expiration
Respirations are 40 breaths/minute
Anterior-posterior diameter ratio is 1:1
Hyperresonance is noted to percussion
Decreased tactile fremitus is present
The Correct Answer is B
A. Decreased lung sounds on expiration are common in COPD patients due to airway obstruction but do not necessarily indicate an acute issue.
B. Respirations are 40 breaths/minute is a critical finding, as this rapid respiratory rate suggests significant respiratory distress or worsening hypoxemia, which needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
C. An anterior-posterior diameter ratio of 1:1 (barrel chest) is a common finding in advanced COPD but does not indicate acute worsening.
D. Hyperresonance to percussion is typical in patients with COPD due to air trapping and does not suggest an immediate emergency.
E. Decreased tactile fremitus may occur in COPD due to increased air trapping but is not an urgent finding requiring immediate reporting.
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Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Pulmonic valve closure is best heard at the base of the heart, near the second intercostal space at the left sternal border.
B. Tricuspid valve sounds are best heard at the lower left sternal border, near the apex rather than the base of the heart.
C. Aortic valve closure is also best heard at the base of the heart, near the second intercostal space on the right sternal border.
D. Mitral valve sounds are heard best at the apex of the heart, near the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line, not the base.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 3+ edema indicates moderate pitting (indentation depth of 5-7 mm and lasting 10-20 seconds).
B. 1+ edema is classified as slight pitting (indentation depth less than 2 mm that disappears rapidly, typically in less than 10 seconds), making this the correct documentation.
C. 2+ edema indicates moderate pitting (indentation depth of 3-4 mm that lasts up to 15 seconds).
D. +0 indicates no edema present at all.
E. 4+ edema indicates severe pitting (indentation depth of greater than 8 mm and lasting more than 20 seconds).