Author Question: The nurse is teaching a group of unlicensed assistive personnel about the stethoscope. Which ... (Read 114 times)

Kikoku · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is teaching a group of unlicensed assistive personnel about the stethoscope. Which statements about the stethoscope are appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session?

Select all that apply.
1. The stethoscope works by blocking out environmental sounds.
2. Short tubing provides the listener with the most accurate sounds.
3. The bell of the stethoscope is used for high-pitched sounds, such as lung sounds.
4. Cleaning the stethoscope is not necessary since it is not a vehicle for the spread of infection.
5. The binaurals should fit snugly in the ears.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to percuss the lower lobes of a client's lungs. Which percussion technique is the most appropriate for the nurse to use during this assessment?

1. Direct percussion.
2. Blunt percussion.
3. Indirect percussion.
4. Any of the percussion techniques.

ilianabrrr · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 5
The stethoscope works by blocking out environmental sounds; it does not amplify sounds in the body. Short tubing provides the listener with the most accurate sounds; longer tubing may distort sound. The binaurals should fit snugly yet comfortably in the ears. The bell of the stethoscope is used for low-pitched sounds, such as the sounds of a heart murmur. The diaphragm is used for high-pitched sounds, such as normal heart sounds and lung sounds. The stethoscope should be cleaned after examining a client to prevent the spread of infection.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Percussion of the lungs is done using indirect percussion, as it produces sounds that are clearer and more easily interpreted. Of all the percussion techniques, indirect is the most commonly used. Direct percussion is the technique of tapping the body with the fingertips of the dominant hand. It is used to examine the thorax of an infant and to assess the sinuses of an adult. Blunt percussion involves placing the palm of the nondominant hand flat against the body surface and striking the nondominant hand with the dominant hand. A closed fist of the dominant hand is used to deliver the blow. This method is used for assessing pain and tenderness in the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. In order to gain accurate objective information, it is important for the nurse to choose the proper assessment technique, which in this situation is indirect percussion.