A 7-year-old child presents to the clinic with an exacerbation of asthma symptoms. On physical examination, the nurse would expect which assessment findings?

Question

1. Wheezing
2. Increased tactile fremitus
3. Decreased vocal resonance
4. Decreased tactile fremitus
5. Bronchophony

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,3,4
Rationale: Wheezing is caused by air passing through mucus or fluids in a narrowed lower airway, which is a condition present in asthma exacerbations. The air trapping in the lungs that occurs in asthma causes a decrease in the sensation of vibrations felt, not an increase in tactile fremitus, which is indicative of pneumonia. Bronchophony is an increase in the intensity and clarity of transmitted sounds. This is also indicative of pneumonia but not asthma, which causes a decrease in vocal resonance.