Assessment Of The Thorax And Lungs Quiz

Inflammation of the pleura can cause pleural friction, which is the rubbing together of the inflamed pleural layers. This rubbing creates a palpable sensation known as pleural friction fremitus. Increased fremitus refers to a heightened vibration felt during palpation, which is not directly related to inflammation of the pleura. Rhonchal fremitus is associated with the presence of bronchial secretions, not pleural inflammation. Therefore, the correct answer is pleural friction.

Crepitus refers to the coarse crackling sensation that can be felt or heard when air escapes into the subcutaneous tissue. It is commonly associated with subcutaneous emphysema, a condition where air becomes trapped under the skin. This can occur due to various reasons such as trauma, infection, or a lung condition. Pleural friction rub refers to a grating or rubbing sound caused by the inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing against each other. Rhonchal fremitus refers to the vibration felt when a patient speaks or coughs, indicating the presence of thick secretions in the larger airways.

Increased fremitus occurs with compression or consolidation of lung tissue, such as in lobar pneumonia. Fremitus refers to the vibrations felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks or breathes. When lung tissue is compressed or consolidated, such as in pneumonia, the density of the tissue increases, leading to increased transmission of vibrations through the chest wall. This results in increased fremitus. Therefore, the correct answer is Increased.

The examiner's thumbs should be placed at the level of T9 and T10 while assessing symmetric expansion. This means that the thumbs should be positioned between the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. This specific level is important because it allows the examiner to accurately evaluate the expansion of the rib cage and determine if it is symmetrical on both sides.

Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing in a supine position. This condition is characterized by the inability to breathe comfortably when lying flat, which often leads to the need for propping up with pillows or sitting upright. Dyspnea, on the other hand, refers to difficulty breathing in general, regardless of body position. Dyspnea nocturia is not a recognized medical term. Therefore, the correct answer is orthopnea.

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by awakening from sleep with shortness of breath (SOB) and the need to be upright to achieve comfort. This condition may also present with cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) and diaphoresis (excessive sweating). Orthopnea refers to shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat and is relieved by sitting or standing. Nocturia dyspnea is not a recognized medical condition.

When anything obstructs the transmission of vibrations in the lungs, such as pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and emphysema, it leads to a decrease in fremitus. Fremitus refers to the vibrations felt on the chest wall during breathing, and when there is an obstruction, these vibrations are reduced. Therefore, the correct answer is "Decreased."

When percussing over an area of atelectasis in the lungs, the nurse would expect to hear dullness. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of a part or all of the lung, which can be caused by various factors including pneumonia. Dullness on percussion indicates that there is increased density or fluid in the area being assessed, which is consistent with the presence of atelectasis. This finding is in contrast to normal lung tissue, which produces resonance on percussion. Tympany is a sound produced when percussing over air-filled structures, while crackles are abnormal lung sounds that may be heard on auscultation.

When inspecting the anterior chest of an adult, the nurse should include the assessment of the shape and configuration of the chest wall. This assessment helps in identifying any abnormalities or deformities in the chest wall, such as barrel chest or pectus excavatum, which could indicate underlying respiratory or musculoskeletal issues. It also provides information about the overall chest symmetry and alignment.

Rhonchal fremitus is palpable with thick bronchial secretions. Rhonchal fremitus refers to the vibration felt upon palpation of the chest caused by the movement of thick secretions in the bronchial tubes. This can be a sign of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Increased fremitus may also be palpable in these conditions, but the specific mention of thick bronchial secretions suggests that Rhonchal fremitus is the most appropriate answer. Pleural friction fremitus refers to the vibration felt upon palpation of the chest caused by the rubbing of inflamed pleural surfaces, while "none of the above" is not correct as Rhonchal fremitus is indeed palpable with thick bronchial secretions.