Final answer:
Assessment findings for a client with smoke inhalation injury typically include respiratory distress, changes in vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen levels, abnormal breath sounds on auscultation, changes in sputum characteristics, and chest radiograph abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clients with smoke inhalation injuries may present with a variety of symptoms and signs that need to be carefully assessed by healthcare professionals. Key findings may include:
- Respiratory distress: characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing or stridor, cough, and hoarseness, indicating airway irritation.
- Physical manifestations: such as cough, sore throat, chest tightness, and difficulty swallowing may also be present.
- Vital sign changes: including an elevated heart rate and hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood.
- Auscultation findings: using a stethoscope, healthcare providers may note abnormal breath sounds, such as crepitation or crackling.
- Sputum characteristics: the color and consistency of sputum may indicate the severity of the lung injury.
- Chest radiograph results: might show opacities, shadows, or other irregularities indicative of lung damage.
Assessment of a client with smoke inhalation injury requires careful examination and may involve additional diagnostic tests such as chest radiography and analysis of blood, urine, and sputum samples.