Question

A client with emphysema is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. on the third hospital day, the client complains of a sharp pain on the right side of the chest. the nurse suspects a pneumothorax. what breath sound is most likely to be present when the nurse assesses the client's right side?

Answer 1

When the nurse assesses the client's right side, there will probably be decreased breath sound. Pneumothorax refers to the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity resulting in removal of the lungs from the chest wall. On examination breath sounds are usually absent on the affected part of the chest.