When assessing a newly admitted client, the nurse notes a thrill along the left sternal border. To obtain more information about the cause of the thrill, which action will the nurse take next?
Auscultate for any cardiac murmurs
Compare the apical and radial pulse rates
Palpate the quality of the peripheral pulses
Find the point of maximal impulse
Check capillary refill time
The Correct Answer is A
A. Auscultate for any cardiac murmurs is correct, as a thrill often indicates turbulent blood flow, which may correlate with murmurs that can be heard upon auscultation.
B. Comparing apical and radial pulse rates is useful in assessing pulse deficits but does not directly address the cause of the thrill.
C. Palpating the quality of the peripheral pulses does not provide specific information about the thrill's origin.
D. Finding the point of maximal impulse is a useful cardiac assessment but does not directly explain the cause of the thrill.
E. Checking capillary refill time assesses peripheral perfusion but does not relate to the thrill's cause.
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Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Normal sounds against the sternum would not be low-pitched or soft; they would typically be more pronounced.
B. Bronchovesicular sounds are medium-pitched and are not expected in the lower lobes; they are usually heard in the central area.
C. Bronchial sounds are high-pitched and hollow, typically heard over the trachea, not in the lower lobes.
D. Normal sounds over the trachea would not be described as low-pitched or soft.
E. Vesicular breath sounds are soft, low-pitched, and normal over peripheral lung fields, including the lower lobes, making this the correct interpretation.
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.