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Chapter 15 - Thorax and Lungs Verified and
Updated Questions and Answers (100%
Correct Answers)
Which of these statements is true regarding the vertebra prominens? The vertebra
prominens is:
a. The spinous process of C7.
b. Usually nonpalpable in most individuals.
c. Opposite the interior border of the scapula.
d. Located next to the manubrium of the sternum.
Answer: 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.
When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient the nurse notices a costal
angle of approximately 90 degrees. This characteristic is:
a. Observed in patients with kyphosis.
b. Indicative of pectus excavatum.
c. A normal finding in a healthy adult.
d. An expected finding in a patient with a barrel chest.
Answer: 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.
When assessing a patients lungs the nurse recalls that the left lung:
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a. Consists of two lobes.
b. Is divided by the horizontal fissure.
c. Primarily consists of an upper lobe on the posterior chest.
d. Is shorter than the right lung because of the underlying stomach.
Answer: 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.
Which statement about the apices of the lungs is true? The apices of the lungs:
a. Are at the level of the second rib anteriorly.
b. Extend 3 to 4 cm above the inner third of the clavicles.
c. Are located at the sixth rib anteriorly and the eighth rib laterally.
d. Rest on the diaphragm at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line MCL.
Answer: 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.
During an examination of the anterior thorax the nurse is aware that the trachea
bifurcates anteriorly at the:
a. Costal angle
b. Sternal angle
c. Xiphoid process
d. Suprasternal notch
Answer: ANS: B
Chapter 15 - Thorax and Lungs Verified and
Updated Questions and Answers (100%
Correct Answers)
Which of these statements is true regarding the vertebra prominens? The vertebra
prominens is:
a. The spinous process of C7.
b. Usually nonpalpable in most individuals.
c. Opposite the interior border of the scapula.
d. Located next to the manubrium of the sternum.
Answer: 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.
When performing a respiratory assessment on a patient the nurse notices a costal
angle of approximately 90 degrees. This characteristic is:
a. Observed in patients with kyphosis.
b. Indicative of pectus excavatum.
c. A normal finding in a healthy adult.
d. An expected finding in a patient with a barrel chest.
Answer: 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.
When assessing a patients lungs the nurse recalls that the left lung:
, Inquire through: | Professional | Confidential Support
a. Consists of two lobes.
b. Is divided by the horizontal fissure.
c. Primarily consists of an upper lobe on the posterior chest.
d. Is shorter than the right lung because of the underlying stomach.
Answer: 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.
Which statement about the apices of the lungs is true? The apices of the lungs:
a. Are at the level of the second rib anteriorly.
b. Extend 3 to 4 cm above the inner third of the clavicles.
c. Are located at the sixth rib anteriorly and the eighth rib laterally.
d. Rest on the diaphragm at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line MCL.
Answer: 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.
During an examination of the anterior thorax the nurse is aware that the trachea
bifurcates anteriorly at the:
a. Costal angle
b. Sternal angle
c. Xiphoid process
d. Suprasternal notch
Answer: ANS: B
