The nurse palpates the posterior chest while the patient says "99" and notes absent fremitus. Which action should the nurse take next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To assess for tactile fremitus,the nurse should use the palms of the hands to assess for vibration when the patient repeats a word or phrase such as "99." After noting absent fremitus,the nurse should then auscultate the lungs to assess for the presence or absence of breath sounds. Absent fremitus may be noted with pneumothorax or atelectasis. The vibration is increased in conditions such as pneumonia,lung tumors,thick bronchial secretions,and pleural effusion. Turning,coughing,and deep breathing is an appropriate intervention for atelectasis,but the nurse needs to first assess breath sounds. Fremitus is decreased if the hand is farther from the lung or the lung is hyperinflated (barrel chest). The anterior of the chest is more difficult to palpate for fremitus because of the presence of large muscles and breast tissue.

The Nurse Palpates the Posterior Chest While the Patient Says