On inspection, the nurse finds the patient's anteroposterior diameter of the chest to be the same as the lateral diameter. What other findings does this nurse expect during the examination? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Options B, C, D, and F are all indications of enlargement or destruction of alveoli that occurs in emphysema. Air is trapped, which increases the anteroposterior to lateral diameter creating a barrel chest, and pushes the diaphragm down decreasing the excursion and causing hyperresonance. The destroyed alveoli decrease the breath sounds and create absent vibration on vocal fremitus. Inspiratory wheezing found on auscultation indicates narrowed airways as found in asthma. A sharp, abrupt pain reported when the patient breathes deeply is pleuritic chest pain associated with pleural lining irritation that may occur in a patient with pleurisy or pneumonia.

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