While auscultating a client’s abdomen, the nurse hears a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area. Which is the likely indication of this finding?
A minor variation.
Normal borborygmus sounds.
Possible renal artery stenosis.
Hyperactive bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A minor variation may refer to a benign finding or a slight deviation from the norm. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be considered a minor variation and may warrant further investigation.
Choice B rationale
Borborygmi are normal bowel sounds characterized by gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be described as normal borborygmi.
Choice C rationale
A low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area could indicate a renal artery bruit, which is a sign of renal artery stenosis. Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the renal artery, often due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. A renal artery bruit may be auscultated over the renal arteries and is indicative of turbulent blood flow through the narrowed artery.
Choice D rationale
Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically characterized by loud, high-pitched gurgles heard throughout the abdomen. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as in gastroenteritis or diarrhea, rather than a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
ChoiceArationale
Abenignvariationwouldnottypicallypresentwithapatternofdullnessextendingfromthe 5th left intercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. This pattern suggests an abnormality rather than a benign variation.
ChoiceBrationale
Cardiacenlargementisindicatedbyanareaofdullnessextendingfromthe5thleftintercostal space to the 2nd left intercostal space at the sternal border. This finding suggests an enlarged heart, which can be due to conditions such as cardiomegaly or left ventricular hypertrophy.
ChoiceCrationale
Cardiacatrophyrefersto adecreaseinthesizeormassoftheheartmuscle,resultingina smaller than normal heart. The described findings indicate dullness extending upward, suggesting an enlargement rather than atrophy of the heart.
ChoiceDrationale
Anexpectedfindingwouldnottypicallypresentwiththedescribedpatternofdullness.The normal area of cardiac dullness is more limited and does not extend as described.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A minor variation may refer to a benign finding or a slight deviation from the norm. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be considered a minor variation and may warrant further investigation.
Choice B rationale
Borborygmi are normal bowel sounds characterized by gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be described as normal borborygmi.
Choice C rationale
A low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area could indicate a renal artery bruit, which is a sign of renal artery stenosis. Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the renal artery, often due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. A renal artery bruit may be auscultated over the renal arteries and is indicative of turbulent blood flow through the narrowed artery.
Choice D rationale
Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically characterized by loud, high-pitched gurgles heard throughout the abdomen. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as in gastroenteritis or diarrhea, rather than a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area.