Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Full-length
The nurse is auscultating an elderly bedridden client's breath sounds and hears crackles. What is the best interpretation of this finding?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Crackles in a bedridden elderly client suggest fluid in the lungs or atelectasis, which deep breathing can help clear. It's not normal, not immediately life-threatening, and oxygen is premature without further assessment.