A client is admitted with an exacerbation of COPD. He has a long history of chronic bronchitis.
What physical finding does the nurse expect in a client with chronic bronchitis?
SpO2 >92%.
Underweight.
Bradypnea.
Productive cough.
The Correct Answer is D
A client with chronic bronchitis is expected to have a cough that produces sputum for at least 3 months during two successive years. This is due to the hyperplasia of mucous glands and bronchial wall inflammation that occur in chronic bronchitis.
Choice A is wrong because SpO2 >92% is not a specific finding for chronic bronchitis.
SpO2 is a measure of oxygen saturation in the blood and can vary depending on many factors, such as altitude, smoking, and lung diseases. SpO2 may be lower than normal in COPD patients due to airflow obstruction and impaired gas exchange.
Choice B is wrong because underweight is not a typical finding for chronic bronchitis.
Underweight may be more associated with emphysema, which is another component of COPD that involves the destruction of alveolar walls and enlargement of air spaces. Emphysema can cause weight loss due to increased work of breathing and decreased appetite.
Choice C is wrong because bradypnea is not a common finding for chronic bronchitis.
Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing rate and can be caused by various conditions, such as brain injury, drug overdose, or sleep apnea. Chronic bronchitis usually causes tachypnea, which is abnormally fast breathing rate, due to hypoxia and hypercapnia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the nurse’s priority because it will help determine the severity of the client’s difficulty breathing and guide the appropriate interventions. According to the Mayo Clinic, oxygen therapy for COPD is indicated when there is not enough oxygen in the blood, which can be measured by a pulse oximeter or a blood gas test. Increasing the oxygen flow without assessing the oxygen level could be harmful or ineffective. Having the client cough and expectorate secretions may help clear the airway, but it is not the first action to take. Calling emergency services may be necessary if the client’s condition is life threatening, but it should not be done before assessing the respiratory status.
Choice A is wrong because it does not address the immediate need of assessing the respiratory status and may cause unnecessary panic or delay in treatment.
Choice B is wrong because it does not follow the guidelines for oxygen therapy for COPD, which require a prescription and monitoring of oxygen levels.
Increasing the oxygen flow without assessing the oxygen level could cause oxygen toxicity or suppress the respiratory drive.
Choice C is wrong because it is not the most urgent action to take.
Having the client cough and expectorate secretions may help clear the airway, but it may also increase the work of breathing and worsen hypoxia.
Assessing the respiratory status should come first.
Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100% for healthy individuals and 88% to 92% for most people with COPD. Normal ranges for blood gas tests vary depending on the laboratory, but generally, normal values for arterial blood gas are: pH 7.35 to 7.45, PaCO2 35 to 45 mm Hg, PaO2 80 to 100 mm Hg, HCO3 22 to 26 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the fight-or-flight response activates the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the pupils to dilate to allow more light and improve vision.
Choice A is wrong because the fight-or-flight response increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate.
Choice B is wrong because the fight-or-flight response causes bronchial airway dilation to allow more oxygen intake and facilitate breathing.
Choice C is wrong because the fight-or-flight response causes hyperglycemia by stimulating the release of glucose from the liver and muscles to provide energy.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for blood glucose are 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL, and for pupil size are 2 mm to 6 mm.
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