RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 311 of 2368

Which technique should the nurse use when auscultating the anterior and posterior chest wall?

  1. Listen down one side completely, then down the other side
  2. Listen over the scapulae and clavicles to hear bone-conducted sounds
  3. Listen from side to side to compare symmetrical lung fields
  4. Listen through the client's clothing to protect privacy
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Correct answer: Listen from side to side to compare symmetrical lung fields

Side-to-side listening lets the nurse compare symmetrical lung fields. Bones and clothing interfere with sound.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Respiratory Assessment: Auscultation. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026