Question

An older client is admitted to an acute care facility with diagnosis of left lower lobe pneumonia. how should pn position client for auscultation of posterior lung fields

A. Right side-lying
B. lateral, semi-prone
C. semi-fowler
D. Forward orthopneic

Answer 1

For auscultation of a patient with left lower lobe pneumonia, the Forward Orthopneic position is preferred. It allows for clearer breath sounds from the posterior lung fields by facilitating lung expansion and reducing tissue density between the back and stethoscope.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the auscultation of the posterior lung fields in a patient with left lower lobe pneumonia, the ideal position would be to have the patient sitting up and leaning slightly forward, known as the Forward Orthopneic position. This position helps in facilitating breath sounds from the posterior lungs to be heard more clearly. In this position, gravity assists in lowering the diaphragm, allowing for better expansion of the lung, which is particularly beneficial when listening for abnormalities such as crackles that may be associated with pneumonia. It also helps reduce the density of the lung tissue between the back and the stethoscope, which can make sounds easier to detect.

It's important to note that lying on the right side (Right side-lying) could also be utilized, but the Forward Orthopneic position typically provides a clearer sound for the specific area of interest in this case. Having the patient in a Semi-Fowler position may also be useful, but for specifically targeting the posterior left lower lung fields, Forward Orthopneic is preferred.