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On inspection, a nurse finds the patient's anteroposterior diameter of the chest to be the same as the lateral diameter. Based on this finding, what additional data does the nurse anticipate?

a. Increased vocal fremitus on palpation
b. Dull tones heard on percussion
c. Decreased breath sounds on auscultation
d. Complaint of sharp chest pain on inspiration

User Bobthemac
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

When a nurse finds that the patient's anteroposterior diameter of the chest is the same as the lateral diameter, it suggests barrel chest. This condition is commonly seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, and it may result in decreased breath sounds on auscultation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse finds the anteroposterior diameter of the chest to be the same as the lateral diameter, it indicates a condition called barrel chest. Barrel chest is commonly seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. This finding suggests that the patient may have increased air trapping in the lungs, which can lead to decreased breath sounds on auscultation.

So, the additional data that the nurse may anticipate in this case is decreased breath sounds on auscultation (option c).

User Daniel Eckhart
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