AGNP BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS Respiratory Assessment (51 Questions) Question: Which technique best determines whether the tissues in the chest are air-filled, fluidfilled, or solid? Auscultation Palpation Inspection Percussion Explanation: Percussion of the chest produces audible sounds and palpable vibrations, thus, assisting in determining if the underlying tissues are filled with air or fluid or if they are solid. However, percussion will not help detect deep seated lesions. Auscultation assesses the flow of air through the tracheobronchial tree. Palpation focuses on tenderness and abnormalities in the overlying skin , respiratory expansion, and fremitus. Inspection notes the shape of the chest and they way it moves with inspiration and expiration. Question: The midaxillary line: extends from the anterior axillary fold where the pectoralis major muscle inserts. continues from the posterior axillary fold where the latissimus dorsi muscle inserts. runs down from the apex of the axilla and lies between and parallel to the anterior and posterior lines. extends through the inferior angle of the scapula when the arms are at the sides of the body. Explanation: The anterior axillary line extends from the anterior axillary fold where the pectoralis major muscle inserts. The posterior axillary line continues from the posterior axillary fold where the latissimus dorsi muscle inserts. The midaxillary line runs from the apex of the axilla and lies between and parallel to the other two. The scapular line extends through the inferior angle of the scapula when the arms are at the sides of the body. Question: When percussing the lower posterior chest, begin by: standing on the side rather than directly behind the patient. Correct having the patient lie supine on the examining table. carefully palpating any area the patient has reported pain. using the ball or the ulnar surface of the hand. Explanation: When percussing the lower posterior chest, stand on the side rather than directly behind the patient. This position allows the ability to place the pleximeter finger more firmly on the chest and the plexor is more effective in making a better percussion note. If the patient is lying supine, the posterior chest will not be able to be percussed. Palpating painful areas is not percussion, so is not correct. Using the bony part of the palm at the base of the fingers or the ulnar surface is a technique used to detect tactile fremitus.