During the problem-based history, a patient reports coughing up sputum when lying on the right side, but not when lying on the back or left side. The nurse suspects this patient may have a lung abscess. What additional question does the nurse ask to gather more data?
A) "Does the sputum have an odor?"
B) "Do you have chest pain when you take a deep breath?"
C) "Have you also experienced tightness in your chest?"
D) "Have you coughed up any blood?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sputum with odor and sputum production with change of position is associated with lung abscess or bronchiectasis. Chest pain on deep breathing is associated with pleural lining irritation. Tightness in the chest is associated with asthma. Coughing up rust-colored sputum is associated with pneumonia, but coughing up blood may be associated with lung cancer.

During the Problem-Based History, a Patient Reports Coughing Up Sputum