a nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. which of the following manifestations of pneumonia should…

a nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. which of the following manifestations of pneumonia should the nurse anticipate? (select all that apply.)\ntachypnea\nincreased work of breathing\nadventitious breath sounds\ntactile fremitus\ndullness to percussion\nclear lung sounds

a nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. which of the following manifestations of pneumonia should the nurse anticipate? (select all that apply.)\ntachypnea\nincreased work of breathing\nadventitious breath sounds\ntactile fremitus\ndullness to percussion\nclear lung sounds

Answer

Brief Explanations:

  • Tachypnea: Pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs. The body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen - carbon dioxide exchange by increasing the respiratory rate (tachypnea).
  • Increased work of breathing: Due to the presence of exudate (fluid, cells) in the alveoli and airways, the lungs become less compliant. Muscles of respiration (intercostals, diaphragm) have to work harder, leading to increased work of breathing (e.g., use of accessory muscles).
  • Adventitious breath sounds: Fluid and inflammatory changes in the lungs can lead to abnormal breath sounds. For example, crackles (rales) can be heard as air passes through fluid - filled or narrowed airways.
  • Tactile fremitus: Fremitus is the vibration felt on the chest wall when the patient vocalizes. In pneumonia (especially in the consolidation phase), because the lung tissue is more solid (less air - filled), the transmission of vibrations (tactile fremitus) is increased.
  • Dullness to percussion: When there is consolidation (solidification) of lung tissue (as in pneumonia due to fluid and cell accumulation), the normal resonant percussion note (of air - filled lungs) changes to a duller note.
  • Clear lung sounds are not expected. Pneumonia disrupts the normal air - flow and lung tissue integrity, leading to abnormal (not clear) breath sounds.

Answer:

Tachypnea, Increased work of breathing, Adventitious breath sounds, Tactile fremitus, Dullness to percussion.