CEA Nursing Practice Exam

During a diaphragmatic excursion test on a patient with interstitial lung disease, what result is expected?

1. Approximately equal change in diaphragm descent bilaterally.

2. Greater descent of the diaphragm on the right side due to liver presence.

3. Absent or no change in movement of the diaphragm.

4. Ascension of 8-12 inches of the diaphragm on expiration.

The correct answer is: Approximately equal change in diaphragm descent bilaterally.

In the context of interstitial lung disease, during a diaphragmatic excursion test, the expected outcome is approximately equal change in diaphragm descent bilaterally. This condition typically leads to a restrictive pattern of lung disease, which results in reduced lung volumes and can affect diaphragm movement. However, the process of inhalation and exhalation should still result in a relatively symmetrical descent of the diaphragm. When performing this test, measuring the movement of the diaphragm should ideally show similar distances on both sides if the lung function is balanced, indicating effective respiratory mechanics without significant obstruction or pleural effusion affecting one side more than the other. The other outcomes, such as greater descent on one side due to anatomical structures like the liver, are less likely to occur in interstitial lung disease. Significant asymmetry or absence of movement would indicate a more severe pathology, while excessive ascension during expiration would suggest abnormal respiratory mechanics, which is not typical for interstitial lung disease. Therefore, the expected result of equal change in diaphragm descent reflects the compromised but symmetrical lung function associated with this type of lung disease.