The nurse is teaching a class on basic assessment skills. Which ...

[lilldybug07]

The nurse is teaching a class on basic assessment skills. Which of these statements is true regarding the stethoscope and its use?
 
  a. Slope of the earpieces should point posteriorly (toward the occiput).
  b. Although the stethoscope does not magnify sound, it does block out extraneous room noise.
  c. Fit and quality of the stethoscope are not as important as its ability to magnify sound.
  d. Ideal tubing length should be 22 inches to dampen the distortion of sound.

Question 2

A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the
 
  patient?
  a.
  Count the patient's respirations.
  b.
  Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
  c.
  Call for a chest x-ray study, and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
  d.
  Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.

[xoxo123]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The stethoscope does not magnify sound, but it does block out extraneous room sounds. The slope of the earpieces should point forward toward the examiner's nose. Long tubing will distort sound. The fit and quality of the stethoscope are both important.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Percussion is always available, portable, and offers instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which may yield clues of the patient's physical status.

[lilldybug07]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[abro1885]

Gracias!