Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 5 th edition by Jarvis

Chapter 18: Thorax and Lungs Text Bank MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Which of the following is true regarding the vertebra prominens? The vertebra prominens is: 1. the spinous process of C7. 2. usually not palpable in most individuals. 3. opposite the interior border of the scapula. 4. located next to the manubrium of the sternum. ANS: 1 The spinous process of C7 is the vertebra prominens. It is the most prominent bony spur protruding at the base of the neck. Counting ribs and intercostal spaces on the posterior thorax is difficult because of the muscles and soft tissue. The vertebra prominens is easier to identify and is used as a starting point in counting thoracic processes and identifying landmarks on the posterior chest. DIF: Knowledge REF: Page: 439 MSC: NCLEX: General 2. When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient, the nurse notes a costal angle of approximately 90 degrees. This characteristic is: 1. seen in patients with kyphosis. 2. indicative of pectus excavatum. 3. a normal finding in a healthy adult. 4. an expected finding in a patient with a barrel chest. ANS: 3 The right and left costal margins form an angle where they meet at the xiphoid process. Usually, this angle is 90 degrees or less. The angle increases when the rib cage is chronically overinflated, as in emphysema. DIF: Comprehension REF: Page: 438 MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care 18-2 3. When assessing a patient’s lungs, the nurse recalls that the left lung: 1. consists of two lobes. 2. is divided by the horizontal fissure. 3. consists primarily of an upper lobe on the posterior chest. 4. is shorter than the right lung because of the underlying stomach. ANS: 1