When auscultating the lungs of an adult client, the nurse notes that low-pitched, soft breath sounds are heard over the lower lobes. How would the nurse interpret these findings?
Normal sounds auscultated up against the sternum
Bronchovesicular sounds that are normal over that location
Bronchial sounds that are normal over that location
Normal sounds auscultated over the trachea
Vesicular breath sounds that are normal in that location
The Correct Answer is E
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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While posterior to anterior comparisons are used, they do not encompass the entire technique for auscultation.
B. Side-to-side comparison is the correct method as it allows for immediate assessment of differences between lung fields and helps to identify abnormal sounds effectively.
C. Interspace-by-interspace comparison is not a commonly recognized term for this method and can lead to confusion in technique.
D. Proximal to distal comparison is not specific to lung auscultation and does not effectively apply to lung assessment.
E. Top-to-bottom comparison may miss abnormalities in a specific region of the lungs; side-to-side is preferred.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A heave (or lift) often indicates ventricular hypertrophy or enlargement, suggesting increased workload on the heart.
B. Turbulent blood flow may lead to murmurs but is not specifically associated with a heave.
C. A persistently slow heartbeat is referred to as bradycardia and does not correlate with a heave.
D. An extreme pulse deficit relates to discrepancies between heartbeats and palpable pulses but is not linked to a heave.
E. Coronary artery blockage would not directly produce a heave; it typically leads to ischemic changes.