A client is hospitalized for pneumonia.Auscultation of breath sounds indicate there are high pitched sounds occurring on inspiration and expiration,and the client states he is having a hard time breathing.Which documentation terms best represent these findings?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High pitched sounds on inspiration and expiration indicate wheezing, and the client stating a hard time breathing indicates dyspnea. Crackles would be described as fine or coarse and would indicate fluid in the lungs, while cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen. Orthopnea would be difficulty breathing while lying flat and would not be indicated by auscultation findings, and costal tugging refers to visible retractions of the chest during breathing. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing rate, but does not describe the quality of breath sounds heard on auscultation.

A Client Is Hospitalized for Pneumonia