Page 400 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

spine, with the fingers pointing laterally.
Anterior: The nurse places the hands on the anterolateral wall with the thumbs
along the costal margins, pointing toward the xiphoid process.
The nurse instructs the client to take a deep breath after exhaling.
The nurse should note movement of the thumbs, and chest excursion should be
symmetrical, separating the thumbs approximately 2 inches (5 cm).

Tactile or Vocal Fremitus

The nurse places the ball or lower palm of the hand over the chest, starting at
the lung apices and palpating from side to side.
The nurse asks the client to repeat the words “ninety-nine.”
Symmetrical palpable vibration should be felt by the nurse.

400