The nurse is auscultating a patient's lungs but is unable to hear much air movement. What is the nurse's next step in the attempt to most effectively hear the lung sounds?
a. Try another stethoscope.
b. Have the patient assume a side-lying position.
c. Ask the patient to breathe deeply through the mouth.
d. Have the patient rest between breaths.
ANS: C
Asking the patient to breathe deeply through the mouth can help enhance the sounds. Allow the patient to rest at intervals to prevent hyperventilation. If this does not work, then trying another stethoscope may be helpful. Sitting, not side-lying, best helps the patient to take deep breaths. Having the patient rest is helpful if he or she is fatigued or dyspneic but will not make breath sounds easier to hear.
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