The client is admitted to the emergency department with a pneumothorax

The client is admitted to the emergency department with a pneumothorax. The nurse anticipates that the client will be experiencing:

1. Dyspnea
2. Eupnea
3. Fremitus
4. Orthopnea

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The client with a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) will exhibit dyspnea and pain. Eupnea is normal, easy breathing. It would not be expected in the case of a pneumothorax. Fremitus is the vibration felt when the hand is placed on the client’s chest and the client speaks (vocal fremitus). Fremitus would be decreased with a pneumothorax. Orthopnea is a condition in which the person must use multiple pillows when lying down or must sit with the arms elevated and leaning forward to breathe. The client with a pneumothorax would be exhibiting dyspnea.