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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. In peripheral arterial insufficiency, blood flow is reduced, leading to cooler skin temperatures, especially in the affected extremity.
B. Nail appearance may be unhealthy due to poor perfusion; nails may become thickened or grow slowly.
C. Skin is typically cool and may be dry, not warm, indicating reduced blood flow.
D. A pulse of 2+ is within normal range; however, pulses may be diminished or absent in cases of significant arterial insufficiency.
E. The leg typically does not appear swollen; rather, it may show signs of atrophy or hair loss due to inadequate blood supply.