Question

The nurse is working in the ER and is assessing the client who is experiencing paradoxic movements of the right lung. The nurse further assesses the client for:

a) Pleuritic pain.

b) Diminished breath sounds.

c) Tracheal deviation.

d) Increased chest expansion.

Answer 1

Paradoxic movements of the right lung can occur in paradoxical breathing. When assessing a client with this condition, the nurse should further assess for diminished breath sounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Paradoxic movements of the right lung can occur in a condition called paradoxical breathing. In paradoxical breathing, the movement of the chest during breathing is opposite to what is normally expected. This can happen due to various reasons such as diaphragmatic paralysis or injury to the chest wall.

When assessing a client with paradoxic movements of the right lung, the nurse should further assess for diminished breath sounds. This can indicate a problem with ventilation and airflow in the lungs. Other possible assessments include tracheal deviation, which can suggest a tension pneumothorax, and pleuritic pain, which can be present in conditions such as pleurisy.

Increased chest expansion is not typically associated with paradoxic movements of the lung, as it suggests normal or increased lung volume. Therefore, the correct answer is b) Diminished breath sounds.