The nursing instructor is observing a student nurse assess the client's respiratory system. Which technique demonstrated by the student is the most appropriate?
1. From base to apices of lungs.
2. First up one side of the thorax, then up the other.
3. First down one side of the thorax, then down the other.
4. From side to side.
Correct Answer: 4
Auscultation should follow the same pattern as for percussion, from side to side, because comparison of sounds is an important step in respiratory assessment. Auscultate through the entire respiratory cycle, inspiration and expiration. The student nurse should ask the client to breathe deeply through the mouth each time the stethoscope is placed on the chest. The usual movement is from apices to the bases.
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