When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient, the nurse notices a costal vertebral angle (CVA) of approximately 160 degrees. How would finding?
a sign of congestive heart failure
a normal finding in a healthy adult.
seen in patients with kyphosis.
indicative of a pneumothorax.
an expected finding in a patient with a barrel chest.
The Correct Answer is C
A. CVA tenderness is associated with renal issues, not directly with congestive heart failure.
B. A CVA angle of 160 degrees is abnormal; a normal angle is closer to 90 degrees, indicating potential issues.
C. A greater CVA angle can be observed in patients with kyphosis, where the spine curves excessively, affecting rib positioning.
D. A pneumothorax typically results in reduced breath sounds and tracheal deviation, not specifically linked to CVA angle changes.
E. A barrel chest results in an increased AP diameter, not typically associated with CVA angle changes.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. In asthma, increased airway resistance can lead to decreased fremitus due to air trapping and poor conduction of vibrations.
B. Emphysema results in hyperinflated lungs, which typically decreases tactile fremitus because of increased air in the alveoli.
C. Pneumothorax involves air in the pleural space, leading to decreased tactile fremitus as well, since air does not conduct vibrations well.
D. Acute bronchitis can cause some changes in fremitus, but it typically does not significantly increase it.
E. Pneumonia causes consolidation of lung tissue, which increases tactile fremitus due to enhanced transmission of vibrations through solidified lung tissue.