What should the PN expect to hear when auscultating the left upper lobe of a client with pleural effusion?

When auscultating the left upper lobe of a client with pleural effusion, it is expected that the nurse will hear absent or diminished breath sounds. Pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation can effectively dampen or obstruct the normal transmission of breath sounds during auscultation.

In cases of pleural effusion, the fluid that occupies the space can limit the movement of the lung on the affected side, leading to a decrease in the intensity or absence of breath sounds as air does not fully reach the alveoli in that area. This is why absent or diminished breath sounds are a hallmark finding when assessing a patient with pleural effusion. Recognizing these sounds is crucial for the timely identification and management of the condition.