A patient reports a productive cough with yellow sputum, fever, and a sharp pain when taking a deep breath to cough. Based on these data, what abnormal finding will the nurse anticipate on examination?
A) Decreased breath sounds on auscultation
B) Increased tactile fremitus and dull percussion tones
C) Inspiratory wheezing found on auscultation
D) Muffled sounds heard when the patient says "e-e-e"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data describe purulent sputum and inflammation of the pleura that may occur in pneumonia. Additional findings include increased tactile fremitus and dull percussion tones, indicating congested or consolidated lung tissues. Decreased breath sounds on auscultation are consistent with emphysema or atelectasis when alveoli are narrowed or destroyed. Inspiratory wheezing found on auscultation is consistent with narrowing of bronchi that may occur in asthma. Muffled sounds heard when the patient says "e-e-e" is a normal finding on vocal resonance (bronchophony or egophony).

A Patient Reports a Productive Cough with Yellow Sputum, Fever