Question

The nurse is assessing a patient for the adequacy of ventilation. What assessment findings would indicate the patient has good ventilation? (Select all that apply.)

A) There is presence of quiet, effortless breath sounds at lung base bilaterally.
B) Nail beds are pink with good capillary refill.
C) Trachea is just to the left of the sternal notch.
D) Respiratory rate is 24 breaths/min.
E) The right side of the thorax expands slightly more than the left.
F) Oxygen saturation level is 98%.

Answer 1

Good ventilation is indicated by quiet, effortless breathing sounds in the lungs, pink nail beds with prompt capillary refill, and an oxygen saturation level of 98%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment findings that would indicate the patient has good ventilation include the presence of quiet, effortless breath sounds at lung base bilaterally, nail beds that are pink with good capillary refill, and an oxygen saturation level of 98%. Together, these signify that air is being adequately moved in and out of the lungs, and oxygen is being efficiently delivered to the tissues. It's important to note that a respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min may be on the higher side of normal and could potentially indicate hyperventilation depending on the context, while the trachea should be centrally located, and symmetrical thorax expansion is generally preferred.