Question

When auscultating an infant's lungs, the nurse detects diminished breath sounds. What should the nurse interpret this as?

a. Normal respiratory variation.
b. An indication of respiratory distress.
c. An artifact of the stethoscope.
d. A potential lung pathology.

Answer 1

Diminished breath sounds detected when auscultating an infant's lungs could indicate a potential lung pathology. Further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Diminished breath sounds detected when auscultating an infant's lungs could indicate a potential lung pathology. It is important for the nurse to further assess the infant's respiratory status and consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. Diminished breath sounds may be associated with conditions such as pneumonia, atelectasis, or airway obstruction.