Chapter 18: Thorax and Lungs

Chapter 18: Thorax and Lungs

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which of these statements is true regarding the vertebra prominens? The vertebra prominens is:

ANS:  A

The spinous process of C7 is the vertebra prominens and 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:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                    REF:   p. 414

MSC:  Client Needs: General

2. When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient, the nurse notices a costal angle of approximately 90 degrees. This characteristic is:

ANS:  C

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:    Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)             REF:   p. 414

MSC:  Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care

3. When assessing a patient’s lungs, the nurse recalls that the left lung:

ANS:  A

The left lung has two lobes, and the right lung has three lobes. The right lung is shorter than the left lung because of the underlying liver. The left lung is narrower than the right lung because the heart bulges to the left. The posterior chest is almost all lower lobes.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                    REF:   p. 415

MSC:  Client Needs: General

4. Which statement about the apices of the lungs is true? The apices of the lungs:

ANS:  B

The apex of the lung on the anterior chest is 3 to 4 cm above the inner third of the clavicles. On the posterior chest, the apices are at the level of C7.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                    REF:   p. 415

MSC:  Client Needs: General

5. During an examination of the anterior thorax, the nurse is aware that the trachea bifurcates anteriorly at the:

ANS:  B

The sternal angle marks the site of tracheal bifurcation into the right and left main bronchi; it corresponds with the upper borders of the atria of the heart, and it lies above the fourth thoracic vertebra on the back.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                    REF:   p. 416

MSC:  Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care