Question

In a respiratory assessment of a 71-year-old client recently admitted to the hospital, which finding should the nurse interpret as abnormal?

a) Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
b) Slight decrease in chest expansion
c) Presence of crackles during auscultation
d) Oxygen saturation of 98%

Answer 1

The presence of crackles during auscultation is an abnormal finding in the respiratory assessment of a 71-year-old client and may indicate a condition such as pneumonia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In assessing the respiratory health of a 71-year-old client, the nurse should consider a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute normal, as it falls within the average range of 12-18 breaths per minute for adults. A slight decrease in chest expansion may be a normal age-related change. However, the presence of crackles during auscultation is an abnormal finding and can indicate a condition such as pneumonia or heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the lung air sacs. Additionally, an oxygen saturation of 98% is considered normal since the expected range for healthy adults is approximately 95-100%.