The nurse is percussing the anterior chest of an older adult ...

[JMatthes]

The nurse is percussing the anterior chest of an older adult client. Which finding does the nurse anticipate for this client based on the age?
 
  1. Flatness.
  2. Dullness.
  3. Tympany.
  4. Hyperresonance.

Question 2

A client with chronic bronchitis is admitted to the hospital. The nurse inspects the client while assessing the client's respiratory system. Which assessment finding is expected?
 
  1. Fever.
  2. Decreased respiratory rate.
  3. Use of accessory muscles.
  4. Dry cough.

[af]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Chronic inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree leads to increased mucous production and blocked airways, causing decreased air movement in and out of the alveoli, which in turn causes the client's respiratory rate to increase in order to compensate. The muscles of the chest wall work harder to try to pull more air into the alveoli, which causes increased chest wall expansion. The use of accessory muscles to breathe may be noted. The client will not typically experience a fever. Fevers are associated with infections. The respiratory rate may be elevated to compensate for the inability to breathe properly. This client will most likely exhibit a chronic productive cough.