The nurse is caring for a patient with shortness of breath and respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute.Which is the most preferred method to auscultate the chest of the patient with this condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a patient presents with shortness of breath and an increased respiratory rate, the preferred method of auscultation is listening at the lung bases. This is because when a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, their lung sounds may be more easily heard in the lower lobes of the lungs, where there is a greater concentration of airways. Listening at the apices may not reveal as much information, as there are fewer airways present in these areas. Listening by comparing opposite areas of the chest may not be necessary in this case, as the patient's symptoms alone provide enough information to warrant auscultation of the lung bases. Listening to each cycle of inspiratory and expiratory cycle may also not be necessary in this case, as it is more important to assess the overall quality and character of the patient's breath sounds.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Shortness of Breath