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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements relating to assessment of the lungs and thorax is most accurate?
A
Auscultation is used to listen for abnormal breath sounds such as wheezes or crackles.
B
Inspection of the thorax is unnecessary if the patient is not experiencing respiratory distress.
C
Palpation of the chest is only performed when a fracture is suspected.
D
Percussion is rarely useful in evaluating lung conditions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which is about the assessment techniques used to evaluate the lungs and thorax. These techniques include auscultation, inspection, palpation, and percussion.
Step 2: Review the purpose of auscultation. Auscultation involves using a stethoscope to listen to breath sounds, and it is commonly used to identify abnormal sounds such as wheezes, crackles, or diminished breath sounds.
Step 3: Evaluate the statement about inspection. Inspection is a fundamental part of the physical examination and is always performed, regardless of whether the patient is experiencing respiratory distress. It helps assess the shape, symmetry, and movement of the thorax during breathing.
Step 4: Analyze the statement about palpation. Palpation is not limited to cases of suspected fractures; it is also used to assess tenderness, masses, or abnormalities in chest expansion and tactile fremitus (vibrations felt on the chest wall).
Step 5: Consider the statement about percussion. Percussion is a valuable technique for evaluating lung conditions, as it helps identify areas of abnormal resonance, such as dullness (indicating fluid or consolidation) or hyperresonance (indicating air trapping). It is not rarely useful but rather an important diagnostic tool.