A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. The nurse should expect the client's chest to be which of the following shapes?

A. Impaired tissue perfusion: While impaired tissue perfusion is a concern in clients with varicose veins, the presence of ulcerations indicates that skin integrity is already compromised. Addressing impaired skin integrity is a more immediate concern.

B. Alteration in activity tolerance: Alteration in activity tolerance may be a consequence of impaired tissue perfusion and impaired skin integrity, but the priority is to address the current skin breakdown and prevent further complications.

C. Impaired skin integrity: This is the correct answer. The presence of varicose veins, ulcerations, and lower extremity edema indicates compromised skin integrity. The nurse should prioritize interventions to promote wound healing, prevent infection, and address the underlying causes contributing to impaired skin integrity.

D. Alteration in body image: While body image concerns may arise in clients with varicose veins, the immediate priority is addressing the physical complications such as impaired skin integrity to prevent further deterioration.

A. "DIC is controllable with lifelong heparin usage": This statement is not accurate. While heparin may be used in the treatment of DIC, it is not a lifelong therapy, and the approach to treatment depends on the underlying cause.

B. "DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen": This is the correct answer. DIC is a condition characterized by widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of microthrombi throughout the body. Abnormal coagulation involves the consumption of clotting factors, including fibrinogen.

C. "DIC is a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency": This statement is not accurate. DIC is not a genetic disorder, and it is not primarily related to vitamin K deficiency. It is an acquired condition often associated with severe infections, sepsis, trauma, or other critical illnesses.

D. "DIC is characterized by an elevated platelet count": This statement is not accurate. In DIC, there is often a decrease in platelet count due to consumption and activation of platelets in the widespread formation of microthrombi.