Thorax and Lungs (Abnormal findings checklist)

Question 1

seen with labored respirations (especially in small children) and is indicative of hypoxia.

Answer 1

Nasal flaring

Question 2

may be seen in asthma, emphysema, or CHF as a physiologic response to help slow down expiration and keep alveoli open longer.

Answer 2

Pursed lip breathing

Question 3

makes white skin appear blue-tinged, especially in the perioral, nail bed, and conjunctival areas.

Answer 3

Cyanosis

Question 4

Pale or cyanotic nails may indicate

Answer 4

Hypoxia

Question 5

Spinous processes that deviate laterally in the thoracic area.

Answer 5

Scoliosis

Question 6

Ribs appearing horizontal at an angle >45 degrees with the spinal column are frequently the result of an increased (1:1) ratio between the AP and transverse diameter.

Answer 6

Barrel chest

Question 7

This condition is commonly the result of emphysema due to hyperinflation of the lungs.

Answer 7

Barrel chest

Question 8

Trapezius, or shoulder, muscles are used to facilitate inspiration.

Answer 8

atelectasis

Question 9

Client leans forward and uses arms to support weight and lift chest to increase breathing capacity, referred to as the _____

Answer 9

Tripod position

Question 10

Pain over the ribs, especially at the costal chondral junctions, is a symptom of _____

Answer 10

Fractured ribs

Question 11

Unequal fremitus is usually the result of consolidation (which increases fremitus) or bronchial obstruction, air trapping in emphysema, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax (which all decrease fremitus).

Question 12

Diminished fremitus even with a loud spoken voice may indicate an obstruction of the tracheobronchial tree.

Question 13

Unequal chest expansion can occur with _____.

Answer 13

severe atelectasis

Question 14

Hyperresonance is elicited in cases of trapped air, such as in emphysema or pneumothorax.

Question 15

AP equals transverse diameter, resulting in a ______.

Answer 15

barrel chest

Question 16

This is often seen in emphysema because of hyperinflation of the lungs.

Answer 16

Barrel chest

Question 17

is a markedly sunken sternum and adjacent cartilages (often referred to as funnel chest)

Answer 17

Pectus excavatum

Question 18

is a forward protrusion of the sternum causing the adjacent ribs to slope backward (often referred to as pigeon chest)

Answer 18

Pectus carinatum

Question 19

results in a more horizontal position of the ribs and costal angle of >90 degrees. This often results from long-standing emphysema.

Answer 19

Barrel chest configuration

Question 20

Diminished vibrations, even with a loud spoken voice, may indicate an ______.

Answer 20

obstruction of the tracheobronchial tree