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Your patient is a​ 15-year-old female complaining of shortness of breath. Which of the following is NOT appropriate during the focused​ exam?

User Latania
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Final answer:

A focused exam for a patient complaining of shortness of breath should involve evaluations related to respiratory health such as using a pulse oximeter, listening with a stethoscope, collecting a sputum sample, and potentially ordering a chest radiograph. Procedures unrelated to the respiratory system would not be appropriate unless indicated by further symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to a focused exam for a 15-year-old female complaining of shortness of breath. The appropriate actions during such an exam would include checking the heart rate, using a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels, and using a stethoscope to listen for abnormal sounds in the heart, lungs, and possibly the digestive system. Collecting a sputum sample for evaluation could be relevant if an infection like pneumonia or bronchitis is suspected, as suggested by the presence of greenish mucus or crackling sounds during auscultation.


A chest radiograph might also be ordered to visualize any abnormalities. What is NOT appropriate could be any procedure or assessment unrelated to the respiratory complaint, such as an in-depth examination of the digestive system without any symptoms suggesting its involvement.

User Lars Wiegman
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