Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. which of the following manifestations of pneumonia should the nurse anticipate? (select all that apply.)
tachypnea
increased work of breathing
adventitious breath sounds
tactile fremitus
dullness to percussion
clear lung sounds

Explanation:

• Tachypnea: Due to impaired gas exchange in pneumonia, the body tries to compensate by increasing the respiratory rate.
• Increased work of breathing: Inflammation and fluid in the lungs make it harder for the client to breathe, leading to more effort (e.g., use of accessory muscles).
• Adventitious breath sounds: Such as crackles (due to fluid in alveoli) or wheezes (if there is bronchospasm or airway narrowing from inflammation) can be present.
• Tactile fremitus: In consolidated areas (common in pneumonia), vibrations (fremitus) from vocalization are more easily felt as sound travels better through consolidated tissue.
• Dullness to percussion: Consolidated lung tissue (from inflammation and fluid) is less resonant, so percussion over affected areas is dull.
• Clear lung sounds: Are not expected as there is lung pathology (inflammation, fluid) that alters normal breath sounds.

Answer:

Tachypnea, Increased work of breathing, Adventitious breath sounds, Tactile fremitus, Dullness to percussion.