On inspection, a nurse finds the patient's anteroposterior diameter of the chest to be the same as the lateral diameter. Based on this finding, what additional data does the nurse anticipate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equal anteroposterior and lateral diameters of the chest indicate air trapping from enlarged or destroyed alveoli. This air trapping causes decreased to absent breath sounds on auscultation. Increased fremitus occurs when the vibrations feel enhanced. This is found when lung tissues are congested or consolidated, which may occur in patients who have pneumonia or a tumor. Dull tones may be heard in patients with pneumonia, pleural effusion, or atelectasis. Complaint of sharp chest pain on inspiration is pleuritic chest pain associated with pleural lining irritation and may occur in a patient with pleurisy or pneumonia.

On Inspection, a Nurse Finds the Patient's Anteroposterior Diameter of the Chest