Author Question: To minimize bony interference with percussion on the posterior chest wall, the practitioner should ... (Read 51 times)

joesmith1212 · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

To minimize bony interference with percussion on the posterior chest wall, the practitioner should have the patient do which of the following?

a. Lean forward at a 45-degree angle.
b. Keep his or her arms at the sides of the body.
c. Raise his or her arms above the shoulders.
d. Place his or her hands on the hips.

Question 2

While palpating the thorax of a patient who repeats the words ninety-nine, you note a localized area of decreased tactile fremitus on the lower right side. Which of the following could explain this finding?

1. Atelectasis on the right
2. Right-sided lower pneumothorax
3. Right-sided lower pleural effusion
4. Obstruction of a bronchus in the right lung
a. 2, 3, and 4 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 3 and 4 only
d. 1, 3, and 4 only

aliotak · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Asking patients to raise their arms above their shoulders will help move the scapulae laterally and minimize their interference with percussion on the posterior chest wall.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Tactile fremitus is reduced most often in patients who are obese or overly muscular. In addition, when the pleural space lining the lung becomes filled with air (pneumothorax) or fluid (pleural effusion), fremitus is significantly reduced or absent.