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 E
Explanation
A. Cutaneous pain refers to pain from the skin and subcutaneous tissues, which is not described here.
B. Parasympathetic pain is not a recognized category of pain.
C. Visceral pain arises from internal organs and does not typically present as sharp, tingling, or numb.
D. Deep somatic pain is related to muscles, joints, and bones and typically does not have the sharp, tingling quality described.
E. Neuropathic pain is characterized by sharp, tingling sensations and numbness, often resulting from nerve damage, which fits the client's description.
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.