Saunders NCLEX-PN Respiratory

The nurse provides instructions to a client about the use of an incentive spirometer. The nurse determines that the client needs further teaching about its use if the client makes which statement?

"After maximal inspiration, I will hold my breath for 10 seconds and then exhale." (Rationale) For optimal lung expansion with the incentive spirometer, the client should assume a semi-Fowler's or high-Fowler's position. The mouthpiece should be covered completely and tightly while the client inhales slowly, with a constant flow through the unit. When maximal inspiration is reached, the client should hold the breath for 5 seconds and then exhale slowly through pursed lips.

A nursing student prepares to instruct a client to expectorate a sample of sputum that will be sent to the laboratory for Gram stain, culture, and sensitivity and describes the procedure to the licensed practical nurse (LPN), who is the primary nurse. The LPN corrects the student if which incorrect description is provided?

"I will have the client take a shallow breath before coughing." Rationale: Because of the nature of the test, the sputum must be collected in a sterile (not a clean) container. The client should brush the teeth and rinse the mouth to decrease the number of contaminating organisms. The client should take a few deep breaths and then cough forcefully (not spit) into the container. The specimen should be sent directly to the laboratory. It should not be allowed to stand for long periods at room temperature to prevent overgrowth of contaminating organisms.

Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching regarding the reinforced home care instructions for acute sinusitis?

"I will need surgery to drain my sinuses." Rationale: The nurse provides instructions to the client regarding measures to promote sinus drainage, comfort, and resolution of the infection. The nurse instructs the client to apply heat in the form of hot wet packs over the affected sinuses to promote comfort and help resolve the infection. Large amounts of fluids are important to help liquefy secretions. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated to a 45-degree angle will assist in promoting drainage. Surgery may be performed to improve drainage in chronic conditions if other measures are not helpful, but it is not usually a treatment measure for acute sinusitis.

The nurse is planning to suction a client through a tracheostomy tube. Which is the amount of time for application of suction during withdrawal of the catheter?

10 seconds (Rationale) During suctioning, the nurse should apply suction during the withdrawal of the catheter for a period of 5 to 10 seconds. Suction applied longer than this can cause hypoxia in the client.

The nurse is assigned to care for a client after a left pneumonectomy. Which position is contraindicated for this client?

Lateral position Rationale: Complete lateral positioning is contraindicated for a client following pneumonectomy. Because the mediastinum is no longer held in place on both sides by lung tissue, lateral positioning may cause mediastinal shift and compression of the remaining lung. The head of the bed should be elevated

A client arrives in the emergency department with an episode of status asthmaticus. What is the nurse's priority action?

Place the client in high-Fowler's position.

The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse determines that which finding documented in the client's record is consistent with the most expected characteristic of this disorder?

Arterial Pao2 of 48 Rationale: The most characteristic sign of ARDS is increasing hypoxemia with a Pao2 of less than 60 mm Hg. This occurs despite increasing levels of oxygen that are administered to the client. The client's earliest sign is an increased respiratory rate. Breathing then becomes labored, and the client may exhibit air hunger, retractions, and peripheral cyanosis.

The nurse is assisting with monitoring the functioning of a chest-tube drainage system in a client who just returned from the recovery room after a thoracotomy with wedge resection. Which findings should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.

50 mL of drainage in the drainage-collection chamber The drainage system is maintained below the client's chest. An occlusive dressing is in place over the chest-tube insertion site. Fluctuation of water in the tube of the water-seal chamber during inhalation and exhalation (Rationale) The bubbling of water in the water-seal chamber indicates air drainage from the client. This is usually seen when intrathoracic pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, and it may occur during exhalation, coughing, or sneezing. Excessive bubbling in the water-seal chamber may indicate an air leak, which is an unexpected finding. The fluctuation of water in the tube in the water-seal chamber during inhalation and exhalation is expected. An absence of fluctuation may indicate that the chest tube is obstructed, the lung has re-expanded, or no more air is leaking into the pleural space. Gentle (not vigorous) bubbling should be noted in the suction-control chamber. A total of 50 mL of drainage is not excessive in a client returning to the nursing unit from the recovery room; however, drainage of more than 70 to 100 mL/hr is considered excessive and requires health care provider notification. The chest-tube insertion site is covered with an occlusive (airtight) dressing to prevent air from entering the pleural space. Positioning the drainage system below the client's chest allows gravity to drain the pleural space.

The nurse is caring for a client at home who has had a tracheostomy tube for several months. The nurse monitors the client for complications associated with the long-term tracheostomy and suspects tracheoesophageal fistula if which observation is noted for the client?

Abdominal distention Rationale: Necrosis of the tracheal wall can lead to an artificial opening between the posterior trachea and the esophagus. This problem is called tracheoesophageal fistula. The fistula allows air to escape into the stomach, causing abdominal distention. It also can cause aspiration of gastric contents. Option 2 may indicate an infection. Option 3 may indicate the need for more frequent suctioning. Option 4 may indicate an obstruction of some sort or the presence of bronchoconstriction.

A client has undergone fluoroscopy-assisted aspiration biopsy of a lung lesion. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing complications from the procedure if the nurse makes which observation?

Absence of breath sounds in the right upper lobe

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with a tracheal tube attached to a ventilator when the high-pressure alarm sounds. The nurse checks the client and system for which most likely cause?

Accumulation of secretions in the client's lungs. (Rationale) When the high-pressure alarm sounds on a ventilator, it is most likely due to an obstruction. The obstruction can be caused by the client bending the tube, kinking of the tubing, or mucus in the lungs that requires suctioning. It is also important to assess the tubing for the presence of any water and determine if the client is out of rhythm with breathing with the ventilator. The incorrect options list items that may be responsible for a low-pressure alarm on the ventilator.

The nurse is preparing to suction an adult client through the client's tracheostomy tube. Which interventions should the nurse perform for this procedure? Select all that apply.

Apply suction for up to 10 to 15 seconds. Set the wall suction unit pressure at 160 mm Hg. Apply intermittent suction while rotating and withdrawing the catheter. Advance the catheter until resistance is met and then pull the catheter back 1 cm.

A client has a prescription for continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. The nurse performs which best action to ensure accurate readings on the oximeter?

Ask the client to limit motion in the hand attached to the pulse oximeter. (Rationale) Several factors can interfere with the reading of accurate oxygen saturation levels on a pulse oximeter. To ensure accurate readings, the nurse should ask the client to limit motion of the area attached to the sensor. The nurse should apply the device to a warm area because hypotension, hypothermia, and vasoconstriction interfere with blood flow to the area. If possible, the nurse should avoid placing the sensor distal to any invasive arterial or venous catheters, pressure dressings, or blood pressure cuffs. The nurse needs to know that very dark nail polish (black, brown-red, blue, green) interferes with accurate measurement.

A clinic nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client with a diagnosis of pharyngitis. Which intervention should the client be encouraged to perform?

Avoid foods that are highly seasoned. (Rationale) The client with pharyngitis should be instructed to consume cool clear fluids, ice chips, or ice pops to soothe the painful throat. Milk and milk products are avoided because they tend to increase mucous production. Foods that are highly seasoned are irritating to the throat and should be avoided, and the client should be instructed to drink 2000 to 3000 mL of fluid daily, unless contraindicated.

The nurse is assisting in preparing a list of instructions for an adult client who is being discharged following a tonsillectomy. Which instructions should the nurse include in the list? Select all that apply.

Avoid hot fluids. Avoid rough foods. Rest for the next 24 hours. Rationale: Following tonsillectomy, the client is instructed to advance the diet from cool clear liquids to full liquids. Hot fluids and carbonated beverages should be avoided because they may be irritating to the throat. Milk and milk products are avoided because they may cause the client to cough, which can hurt the surgical site. Rough foods and snacks such as raw fruits or vegetables should be avoided for 10 days to protect the scab that forms over the operative site and to prevent bleeding. The client should be instructed to rest in bed or on a couch for 24 hours after the surgical procedure and gradually resume full activity.

The nurse is collecting data from a client with pneumonia. Chest auscultation over areas of consolidation reveals this breath sound. (Refer to audio.) The nurse should interpret this sound to be indicative of which breath sound?

Bronchial breath sounds Rationale: The sound that the nurse hears is a bronchial breath sound. Bronchial breath sounds are loud, high-pitched sounds that resemble air blowing through a hollow pipe. The expiration phase is louder and longer than the inspiration phase, and there is a distinct pause between the inspiration and expiration phase. Bronchial breath sounds normally are heard only over the manubrium. When they are heard over the periphery of the lung, they indicate abnormal sound transmission because of consolidation of lung tissue, as in pneumonia. A pleural friction rub is a superficial, low-pitched, coarse rubbing or grating sound that sounds like two surfaces rubbing together and is heard in the client with pleurisy. Vesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the lesser bronchi, bronchioles, and lobes (peripheral lung fields). These sounds are soft and low-pitched and resemble a sighing or gentle rustling. Bronchovesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the first and second intercostal spaces at the sternal border anteriorly and at T4 medial to the scapula posteriorly. These sounds are a mixture of bronchial and vesicular breath sounds and are moderately pitched with a medium intensity.

The nurse checks a closed chest tube drainage system on a client who had a lobectomy of the left lung 24 hours ago. The nurse notes that there has been no chest tube drainage for the past hour. Which should the nurse do first?

Check for kinks in the chest drainage system. Rationale: If the nurse notes that a chest tube is not draining, the nurse would first check for a kink or possible clot in the chest drainage system. The nurse then notifies the registered nurse and observes the client for respiratory distress or mediastinal shift (if this occurs, the health care provider is notified). Checking the heart rate and blood pressure is not directly related to the lack of chest tube drainage. Connecting a new drainage system to the client's chest tube is done when the fluid drainage chamber is full. There is a specific procedure to follow when a new drainage system is connected to a client's chest tube.

The nurse is performing nasopharyngeal suctioning on a client and suddenly notes the presence of bloody secretions. Which action should the nurse implement?

Check the amount of suction pressure being applied. (Rationale) The return of bloody secretions is an unexpected outcome related to suctioning. If this occurs, the nurse should first assess the client and then determine the amount of suction pressure being applied. The amount of suction pressure may need to be decreased. The nurse also needs to be sure that intermittent suction and catheter rotation are being done during suctioning. Continuing with the suctioning or vigorous suctioning through the mouth will cause increased trauma and thus increased bleeding. Suctioning is normally performed on clients who are unable to expectorate secretions. Therefore, it is unlikely that the client will be able to cough out the bloody secretions.

A client attached to mechanical ventilation suddenly becomes restless and pulls out the tracheostomy tube. Which is the nurse's priority intervention?

Check the client for spontaneous breathing.

The nurse is assisting in collecting subjective and objective data from a client admitted to the hospital with tuberculosis (TB). The nurse should expect to note which finding?

Complaints of night sweats. Rationale: The client with tuberculosis usually experiences a low-grade fever, weight loss, pallor, chills, and night sweats. The client also will complain of anorexia and fatigue. Pulmonary symptoms include a cough that is productive of a scant amount of mucoid sputum. Purulent, blood-stained sputum is present if cavitation occurs. Dyspnea and chest pain occur late in the disease.

The nurse is caring for a client who is suspected of having lung cancer. The nurse monitors the client for which most frequent early sign of lung cancer? Cough

Cough

The nurse is performing nasotracheal suctioning of a client. The nurse interprets that the client is adequately tolerating the procedure if which observation is made?

Coughing occurs with suctioning. Rationale: Coughing is a normal response to suctioning for the client with an intact cough reflex, and it is not an indication that the client is not tolerating the procedure. The client should be encouraged to cough to help with removal of secretions from the lungs. The nurse should monitor for the adverse effects of suctioning, which include cyanosis (pulse oximetry falls below 90% or 5% from baseline), excessively rapid or slow heart rate (a 20 beat/minute change), or the sudden development of bloody secretions. If they occur, the nurse stops suctioning, administers oxygen as appropriate, and reports these signs to the health care provider immediately.

The nurse is assisting a client with a closed chest tube drainage system to get out of bed to a chair. During the transfer, the chest tube gets caught in the leg of the chair and accidentally dislodges from the insertion site. Which action should the nurse implement?

Cover the insertion site with sterile Vaseline gauze.

The nurse is discussing signs of severe airway obstruction with a group of nursing students. Which sign should the nurse emphasize as one that indicates severe airway obstruction?

Cyanosis Rationale: Signs of severe airway obstruction include cyanosis, poor air exchange, increased breathing difficulty, a silent cough, or inability to speak or breathe. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect and may be signs of mild respiratory distress that would not require immediate intervention.

The nurse is providing endotracheal suctioning to a client who is mechanically ventilated when the client becomes restless and tachycardic. Which action should the nurse take?

Discontinue suctioning until the client is stabilized and monitor vital signs. Rationale: If a client becomes cyanotic or restless or develops tachycardia, bradycardia, or another abnormal heart rhythm, the nurse must discontinue suctioning until the client is stabilized. The nurse would also notify the registered nurse. It is also important to monitor the vital signs and the pulse oximetry. If the client's condition continues to deteriorate, then the respiratory department and health care provider may need to be notified. There is no data in the question that indicates that the rapid response team needs to be notified.

The nurse is caring for a client with laryngitis. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

Discourage smoking Use a room humidifier Use lozenges that contain a topical anesthetic agents (Rationale) Smoking irritates the throat so the client is discouraged from smoking. A humidifier will prevent a dry nose and throat. Lozenges with a topical anesthetic agent will decrease throat discomfort. Voice rest means not talking at all, even whispering. There should be a sign on the intercom indicating voice rest and going to the client's room.

The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which should the nurse expect to note in this client? Select all that apply

Dyspnea on exertion Presence of a productive cough Difficulty breathing while talking Rationale: Clinical manifestations of COPD include hypoxemia, hypercapnia, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, oxygen desaturation with exercise, use of accessory muscles of respiration, and a prolonged expiratory phase of respiration. The client may also exhibit difficulty breathing while talking, and may have to take breaths between every one or two words. Some clients with COPD, especially those with a history of smoking, often have a productive cough especially on arising in the morning. The chest x-ray will reveal a hyperinflated chest and a flattened diaphragm if the disease is advanced.

The nurse is admitting a client with a possible diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. The nurse collects data from the client and notes that which signs/symptoms support this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

Early onset cough Purulent mucous production Mild episodes of dyspnea Rationale: Key features of pulmonary emphysema include dyspnea that is often marked, late cough (after onset of dyspnea), scant mucous production, and marked weight loss. By contrast, chronic bronchitis is characterized by an early onset of cough (before dyspnea), copious purulent mucous production, minimal weight loss, and milder severity of dyspnea.

The nurse is preparing to assist a health care provider with the insertion of a chest tube. The nurse anticipates that which supplies will be required for the chest tube insertion site? Select all that apply.

Elastoplast tape Sterile 4 × 4 gauze pads Povidone-iodine gauze Petrolatum (Vaseline) gauze (Rationale) The first layer of the chest tube dressing is petrolatum gauze, which allows for an occlusive seal at the chest tube insertion site. Additional layers of sterile 4 × 4 gauze cover this layer, and the dressing is secured with a strong adhesive tape or Elastoplast tape. Povidone-iodine solution may be used to clean the insertion site before the insertion of the chest tube. Kerlix dressing, which is a wrap-type dressing used to wrap and hold dressings in place is not used on the chest; these dressing types are used commonly to wrap dressings placed on the arms or legs.

The nurse is collecting data on a client with chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and notes that the client has a "barrel chest." The nurse interprets that this client has which forms of CAL?

Emphysema

The nurse is told that an assigned client will have a fenestrated tracheostomy tube inserted. The nurse should provide the client with which information about this type of tube?

Enables the client to speak Rationale: A fenestrated tube has a small opening in the outer cannula that allows some air to escape through the larynx; this type of tube enables the client to speak. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect with regard to this type of tube.

A client diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is distressed over the loss of physical stamina and fatigue. The nurse should provide which explanation for these symptoms?

Expected and the client should very gradually increase activity as tolerated

A clinic nurse is assisting in caring for a client whose chief complaint is the presence of flulike symptoms. Which recommendation by the nurse is therapeutic? Select all that apply.

Get plenty of rest. Take antipyretics for fever. Increase intake of liquids.

The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with sinusitis. Which are signs and symptoms of sinusitis? Select all that apply.

Headache especially in the morning Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count Feeling of heaviness over affected areas Rationale: Signs and symptoms of sinusitis include a feeling of heaviness over the affected areas. This can feel like a toothache if maxillary sinusitis or a headache, especially in the morning, for frontal sinusitis. Nasal drainage can become purulent. The white blood count is elevated. A high fever and nuchal rigidity are signs and symptoms of meningitis, which is a possible complication of sinusitis.

A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has histoplasmosis. Which sign/symptom should the nurse expect the client to experience?

Headaches

he nurse assessing a client diagnosed with laryngeal cancer would note which signs and symptoms? Select all that apply.

Hemoptysis A sensation of a "lump" in the throat Hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks Rationale: Hemoptysis, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks are common signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer.

The nurse is caring for the client diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). Which finding made by the nurse would be inconsistent with the usual clinical presentation of tuberculosis?

High-grade fever Rationale: The client with TB usually experiences cough (either productive or nonproductive), fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest discomfort or pain, chills and sweating (which may occur at night), and a low-grade fever.

The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which should the nurse expect the client to experience?

Hyperinflated lungs on chest x-ray (Rationale) Signs/symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include hypoxemia, hypercapnia, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, oxygen desaturation with exercise, and the use of accessory muscles of respiration. Chest x-ray will reveal a hyperinflated chest and a flattened diaphragm if the disease is advanced.

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with pneumonia who suddenly becomes restless. Arterial blood gases are drawn, and the results reveal a Pao2 of 60 mm Hg. The nurse reviews the plan of care for the client and determines that which priority problem potentially exists for this client?

Ineffective oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange (Rationale) Restlessness and low Pao2 are hallmark signs of ineffective oxygen exchange. Airway obstruction and aspiration are not problems that are specifically associated with existing pneumonia. Although many clients with pneumonia experience fatigue, this is not the priority problem

A client has a chest tube that is attached to a chest drainage system. The client asks the nurse, "Can the tube come out faster if you turn the wall suction up higher?" The nurse's response is based on which fact with regard to turning up the wall suction?

It would not increase the actual suction in the system but would cause more air to be pulled through the air vent and suction chamber to the suction source. Rationale: The amount of suction in the chest drainage system is controlled by the amount of sterile water that is poured into the suction control chamber. In a dry suction system, this is accomplished by regulating the suction dial on the chest drainage device. Increasing the wall suction will only cause vigorous bubbling in the suction chamber, as more air is pulled through the air vent and suction control chamber to the suction source. The only effect this would have is to increase the rate of water evaporation from the suction control chamber, so sterile water would have to be added to the system more frequently.

The chest x-ray report for a client states that the client has a left apical pneumothorax. The nurse should monitor the status of breath sounds in that area by placing the stethoscope in which location?

Just under the left clavicle Rationale: The apex of the lung is the rounded, uppermost part of the lung. To check breath sounds in a client with a left apical pneumothorax, the nurse would place the stethoscope just under the left clavicle. The other options are incorrect.

A client with an oral endotracheal tube attached to a mechanical ventilator is about to begin the weaning process. The nurse asks the health care provider whether this process should be delayed temporarily, based on administration of which medication to the client in the last hour?

Lorazepam (Ativan)

The nurse is determining the need for suctioning in a client with an endotracheal tube (ETT) attached to a mechanical ventilator. Which observation by the nurse is inconsistent with the need for suctioning?

Low peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator

The nurse is taking the nursing history of a client with silicosis. The nurse checks whether the client wears which item during periods of exposure to silica particles?

Mask (Rationale) Silicosis results from chronic, excessive inhalation of particles of free crystalline silica dust. The client should wear a mask to limit inhalation of this substance, which can cause restrictive lung disease after years of exposure. The other options are not necessary.

The nurse is reading the results of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test on a client with no documented health problems. The site has no induration and a 1-mm area of ecchymosis. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these results?

Negative (Rationale) A positive Mantoux tuberculin skin test reading has an induration measuring 10 mm or more in diameter and indicates exposure to tuberculosis. A small area of ecchymosis is insignificant and is probably related to injection technique. Therefore, the remaining options are incorrect.

The nurse is caring for the client who is at risk for lung cancer because of an extremely long history of heavy cigarette smoking. The nurse tells the client to report which frequent early symptom of lung cancer?

Nonproductive hacking cough Rationale: Cough is the most frequent early symptom of lung cancer, which begins as nonproductive and hacking and progresses to productive. In the smoker who already has a cough, a change in the character and frequency of the cough usually occurs. Hoarseness and blood-streaked sputum are later signs. Pain is a very late sign and is usually pleuritic in nature.

A client begins to drain small amounts of red blood from a tracheostomy tube 36 hours after a supraglottic laryngectomy. The licensed practical nurse should perform which action?

Notify the registered nurse.

A client with pneumonia is admitted to the hospital, and the health care provider writes prescriptions for the client. Which prescription should the nurse complete first?

Obtain a culture and sensitivity of sputum.

The nurse is preparing a plan of care for the client who will be returning from surgery following a right lung wedge resection. Included in the plan of care is that in the postoperative period, the nurse should avoid which positioning?

On the right side Rationale: Following a wedge resection, the client should not be placed on the operative side. Lying on the operative side hinders expansion of remaining lung tissue and may accentuate perfusion of poorly ventilated tissue. This further impedes normal gas exchange. In addition, complete lateral turning may be contraindicated. The surgeon's prescriptions for positioning after this surgical procedure are always followed.

The nurse is caring for a client who is anxious and is experiencing dyspnea and restlessness from hypoxemia associated with pulmonary edema. Auscultation of the lungs reveals these breath sounds. (Refer to audio.) The nurse determines that these breath sounds usually are caused by which?

Opening of small airways that contain fluid. Rationale: The sounds that the nurse hears are high-pitched crackles. Crackles are audible when there is a sudden opening of small airways that contain fluid. Crackles are usually heard during inspiration, and do not clear with a cough. They resemble the sound of a lock of hair being rubbed between the thumb and forefinger and are heard in conditions such as pulmonary edema. High-pitched crackles are characteristically fine and are high-pitched discontinuous popping noises (nonmusical sounds) heard during the end of inspiration. Medium-pitched crackles produce a moist sound about halfway through inspiration. Coarse crackles are low-pitched bubbling sounds that start early in inspiration and extend into the first part of expiration. Rhonchi (low-pitched, coarse, loud, low snoring or moaning sounds) are heard in conditions causing obstruction of the bronchus or trachea. A pleural friction rub (a superficial low-pitched coarse rubbing or grating sound) is heard when the pleural surfaces are inflamed. Passage of air through a narrowed airway is associated with wheezes (a high-pitched musical sound similar to a squeak).

In which area of the chest should the nurse expect to auscultate this breath sound? (Refer to audio.)

Over the peripheral lung fields Rationale: Breath sounds are noises resulting from the transmission of vibrations produced by the movement of air in the respiratory passages. Normal breath sounds include bronchovesicular sounds, vesicular breath sounds, and bronchial breath sounds. The sounds that the nurse hears are vesicular breath sounds. Vesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the lesser bronchi, bronchioles, and lobes (peripheral lung fields). These sounds are soft and low pitched and resemble a sighing or gentle rustling, and the inspiration phase is longer than the expiration phase. Bronchovesicular breath sounds normally are heard over the first and second intercostal spaces at the sternal border anteriorly and at T4 medial to the scapula posteriorly (over major bronchi). These sounds are a mixture of bronchial and vesicular breath sounds and are moderately pitched with a medium intensity. The inspiration and expiration phases are equal. Bronchial breath sounds are loud, high-pitched sounds that resemble air blowing through a hollow pipe. The expiration phase is louder and longer than the inspiration phase and there is a distinct pause between the inspiration and expiration phase. Bronchial breath sounds are heard normally over the manubrium.

The nurse is assigned to care for a client who has a chest tube. The nurse is told to monitor the client for crepitus (subcutaneous emphysema). Which method should be used to monitor the client for crepitus?

Palpating for the leakage of air into the subcutaneous tissues. (Rationale) Subcutaneous emphysema is also known as crepitus. It presents as a "puffed-up" appearance that is caused by the leakage of air into the subcutaneous tissues. It is monitored by palpating, and it feels like bubble wrap when palpated. Although options 1, 2, and 3 may be components of the plan of care for a client with a chest tube, these actions will not identify subcutaneous emphysema.

A health care provider is about to remove a chest tube from a client. Once the dressing is removed and the sutures have been cut, the nurse assisting the health care provider asks the client to do which action?

Perform the Valsalva maneuver.

The nurse is observing a nursing student listening to the breath sounds of a client. The nurse intervenes if the student performs which incorrect procedure?

Places the stethoscope on the client's gown. Rationale: To listen to breath sounds, the stethoscope always is placed directly on the client's skin, and not over a gown or clothing. The nurse asks the client to sit up and breathe slowly and deeply through the mouth. Breath sounds are auscultated using the diaphragm of the stethoscope, which is warmed before use.

The nurse notes that a hospitalized client has experienced a positive reaction to the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. Which action by the nurse is the priority?

Report the findings. Rationale: The nurse who interprets a Mantoux tuberculin skin test as positive notifies the health care provider (HCP) immediately. The HCP would prescribe a chest x-ray to determine whether the client has clinically active tuberculosis (TB) or old, healed lesions. A sputum culture would be done to confirm the diagnosis of active TB. The client is placed on TB precautions prophylactically until a final diagnosis is made. The findings are documented in the client's record, but this action is not the highest priority. Calling the employee health service would be of no benefit to the client.

The nurse is working in a tuberculosis (TB) screening clinic. The nurse understands that which population is at highest risk for TB?

Residents of a long-term care facility. Rationale: Residents of long-term care facilities are considered high-risk candidates for TB. Children younger than 4 years of age also are considered a high-risk group. Persons admitted for day surgery are not high-risk candidates. Foreign immigrants (especially from Mexico, the Philippines, and Vietnam) are considered high risk, but those from Australia are not.

The nurse is assisting in caring for a client with a newly inserted tracheostomy. The nurse notes documentation of an airway problem because of thick respiratory secretions. The nurse should monitor for which item as the best indicator of an adequate respiratory status?

Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute. Rationale: An airway problem could occur following tracheostomy from excessive secretions, bleeding into the trachea, restricted lung expansion caused by immobility, or concurrent respiratory conditions. The respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is well within the normal range of 14 to 20 breaths per minute. An oxygen saturation of 89% is less than optimal.

The emergency department nurse is caring for a client who sustained a blunt injury to the chest wall. Which sign noted in the client indicates the presence of a pneumothorax?

Shortness of breath

The nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to the client with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The nurse knows that the client understands the information if the client verbalizes which early sign of exacerbation?

Shortness of breath

The nurse is monitoring the respiratory status of a client who has suffered a fractured rib. The nurse monitors the client and understands that which sign/symptom is unrelated to the rib fracture?

Slow, deep respirations

The nurse is suctioning a client through a tracheal tube. During the suctioning procedure, the nurse notes on the cardiac monitor that the heart rate has dropped 10 beats. Which should be the nurse's next action?

Stop the procedure and oxygenate the client. Rationale: During suctioning the nurse should monitor the client closely for complications including hypoxemia, drop in heart rate due to vagal stimulation, mucosal trauma, hypotension, and paroxysmal coughing. If complications develop, especially cardiac irregularities, the nurse should stop the procedure and oxygenate the client.

The nurse is suctioning an adult client through a tracheostomy tube. During the procedure, the nurse notes that the client's oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Stop the suctioning procedure. (Rationale) The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and pulse oximetry during suctioning to assess the client's tolerance of the procedure. Oxygen desaturation below 90% indicates hypoxia. If hypoxia occurs during suctioning, the nurse stops the suctioning procedure. Using the 100% oxygen delivery system, the client is reoxygenated until baseline parameters are achieved. The size of the catheter should not exceed half of the size of the tracheal lumen. In adults, the standard catheter size is 12 to 14 French. Adequate catheter size facilitates efficient removal of secretions without causing hypoxemia.

The nurse is assisting in caring for the client immediately after removal of the endotracheal tube following radical neck dissection. The nurse interprets that which sign experienced by the client should be reported immediately to the registered nurse (RN)?

Stridor Rationale: The nurse reports the presence of stridor to the RN immediately. This is a high-pitched, coarse sound that is heard with the stethoscope over the trachea. It indicates airway edema and places the client at risk for airway obstruction. A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute and congestion are abnormal, but additional data are needed to determine if these pose a serious problem at this time. Occasional pink-tinged sputum may be expected at this time.

The nurse is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube attached to a ventilator. The high-pressure alarm sounds on the ventilator. The nurse prepares to perform which priority nursing intervention?

Suction the client. (Rationale) When the high-pressure alarm sounds on a ventilator, it is most likely caused by an obstruction. The obstruction can be caused by the client biting on the tube, kinking of the tubing, or mucous plugging requiring suctioning. It is also important to check the tubing for the presence of any water and determine whether the client is out of rhythm with breathing with the ventilator. A disconnection or a cuff leak can result in the sounding of the low-pressure alarm. The respiratory therapist should be notified if the nurse could not determine the cause of the alarm.

The nurse is collecting data on a client admitted to the hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and notes that the client behaves as if intoxicated. The nurse uses this data to make which interpretation?

The behavior is likely the result of hypoxia. Rationale: The client with carbon monoxide poisoning may appear intoxicated. This is the end result of hypoxia on the central nervous system (CNS). With carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen cannot easily bind onto the hemoglobin, which is carrying strongly bound carbon monoxide. Because cerebral tissue has a critical need for oxygen, sustained hypoxia may yield this typical finding. For this reason, options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect interpretations.

The nurse instructs a client on pursed-lip breathing and asks the client to demonstrate the breathing technique. Which observation by the nurse indicates that the client is performing the technique correctly?

The client breathes out slowly through the mouth.

The nurse reads a client's tuberculin skin test as positive. The nurse notes that previous tests were negative. The client becomes upset and asks the nurse what this means. The nurse's response is based on the understanding that which statement is true for this client?

The client has been exposed to tuberculosis.

A client with a respiratory disorder has anorexia secondary to fatigue and dyspnea while eating. The nurse determines that the client has followed the recommendations to improve intake if which action is taken?

The client plans to eat the largest meal of the day at a time when hungry. Rationale: The client is taught to plan the largest meal of the day at a time when the client is most likely to be hungry. It is also beneficial to eat four to six small meals per day if needed. The client avoids dry foods, which are hard to chew and swallow. The client also avoids milk and chocolate, which have a tendency to thicken saliva and secretions. Finally, the client should avoid the use of caffeine, which contributes to dehydration by promoting diuresis.

The nurse is observing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) performing the pursed-lip breathing technique. Which observation by the nurse would indicate accurate performance of this breathing technique?

The client's exhalation is twice as long as inhalation. Rationale: Prolonging the time for exhaling reduces air trapping because of airway narrowing or collapse in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Tightening the abdominal muscles aids in expelling air. Exhaling through pursed lips increases the intraluminal pressure and prevents the airway from collapsing.

A client reports the chronic use of nasal sprays. The nurse reinforces instructions to this client about which piece of information related to chronic use of nasal sprays?

The protective mechanism of the nose may be damaged. (Rationale) The protective mechanisms of the nose may be altered with the chronic use of nasal sprays. Fungal infections occur with oral inhalers but not nasal sprays. Nosebleeds are uncommon. The client should not double-dose medications to increase their effect.

The nurse checks the water seal chamber of a closed chest drainage system and notes fluctuations in the chamber. The nurse analyzes this finding as indicative of which outcome?

The system is functioning as expected. (Rationale) Fluctuation (tidaling) in the water seal chamber is normal during inhalation and exhalation. Fluctuations of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) during normal breathing are common. The absence of fluctuations could mean that the tubing is obstructed by a kink, the client is lying on the tubing, or dependent fluid has filled a loop of tubing. Expanded lung tissue also can block the chest tube eyelets during expiration. The absence of fluctuations also could mean that air is no longer leaking into the pleural space.

A client has a closed-chest tube drainage system in place. The fluid in the water seal chamber rises and falls during inspiration and expiration. How does the nurse interpret this finding?

The tube is patent. Rationale: With normal breathing, the water level rises with inspiration and falls with expiration if the chest tube is patent. The system should not be affected by airway secretions because the chest tube drains fluid in the pleural space. Options 3 and 4 are incorrect interpretations also.

A client had thoracic surgery 2 days ago and has a chest tube in place connected to a closed chest tube system. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. The nurse determines which?

There is a leak in the system, which requires immediate investigation and correction.

The nurse is caring for a client following segmental resection of the upper lobe of the left lung. The nurse notes 700 mL of grossly bloody drainage in the chest tube drainage system during the first hour following surgery. Which statement represents the nurse's accurate interpretation of this finding?

This finding requires further data collection.

A client who is postoperative with incisional pain complains to the nurse about completing respiratory exercises. The client is willing to do the deep breathing exercises but states that it hurts to cough. The nurse provides gentle encouragement and appropriate pain management to the client, knowing that coughing is needed for which reason?

To expel mucus from the airways. Rationale: Coughing is one of the protective reflexes. Its purpose is to move mucus that is in the airways upward toward the mouth and nose. Coughing is needed in the postoperative client to mobilize secretions and expel them from the airways. The other options do not accurately address the purpose of coughing in the postoperative client.

he low-pressure alarm sounds on the ventilator. The nurse checks the client and then attempts to determine the cause of the alarm but is unsuccessful. Which initial action should the nurse take?

Ventilate the client manually. (Rationale) If an alarm is sounding at any time and the nurse cannot quickly ascertain the problem, the client is disconnected from the ventilator and a manual resuscitation device is used to support respirations until the problem can be corrected. Although oxygen is helpful, it will not provide ventilation to the client. Checking vital signs is not the initial action. There is no reason to begin CPR.

The nurse is listening to the client's breath sounds and hears musical whistling noises on inspiration and expiration scattered throughout the right lung fields. How should the nurse interpret these noises?

Wheezes Rationale: Wheezes are musical noises heard on inspiration, expiration, or both. They are the result of narrowed air passages. Crackles have the sound that is heard when a few strands of hair are rubbed together near the ear, and indicate fluid in the alveoli. Rhonchi are usually heard on expiration when there is excessive production of mucus, which accumulates in the air passages. A pleural friction rub is characterized by sounds that are described as creaking, groaning, or grating in quality. The sounds are localized over an area of inflammation of the pleura and may be heard in both the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the respiratory cycle.