Which statement by the nurse indicates the correct order of steps to take when performing a focused assessment of the respiratory system?
"I would palpate, inspect, percuss, and the auscultate.”
"I would percuss, palpate, auscultate, and then inspect.”
"I would auscultate, inspect, percuss, and then palpate."
"I would inspect, auscultate, palpate, and then percuss."
"I would inspect, palpate, percuss, then auscultate.”
The Correct Answer is E
A. Palpate, inspect, percuss, and then auscultate is not the correct order, as inspection is always performed first.
B. Percuss, palpate, auscultate, and then inspect is incorrect, as inspection should come first.
C. Auscultate, inspect, percuss, and then palpate is also incorrect, as auscultation is typically the last step.
D. Inspect, auscultate, palpate, and then percuss is close but does not follow the standard order.
E. Inspect, palpate, percuss, then auscultate is the correct order for respiratory assessment, allowing for a thorough and systematic approach.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. Inquiring about personal and family cardiac history provides essential subjective information on potential hereditary risks and the client’s own cardiac health.
B. Asking about fatigue and chest pain allows the nurse to assess symptoms that may suggest cardiac issues, making it critical subjective data.
C. Inspecting for intercostal retractions and nasal flaring is part of the objective assessment rather than subjective data.
D. Palpating the chest for thrills and heaves is also an objective action, assessing physical findings rather than subjective symptoms.
E. Auscultating the heart with the diaphragm and bell of the stethoscope is an objective assessment to detect sounds rather than gathering subjective information from the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased lung sounds on expiration are common in COPD patients due to airway obstruction but do not necessarily indicate an acute issue.
B. Respirations are 40 breaths/minute is a critical finding, as this rapid respiratory rate suggests significant respiratory distress or worsening hypoxemia, which needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
C. An anterior-posterior diameter ratio of 1:1 (barrel chest) is a common finding in advanced COPD but does not indicate acute worsening.
D. Hyperresonance to percussion is typical in patients with COPD due to air trapping and does not suggest an immediate emergency.
E. Decreased tactile fremitus may occur in COPD due to increased air trapping but is not an urgent finding requiring immediate reporting.