A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Weight gain
Decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest
HCO3 24 mEq/L
pH 7.31
The Correct Answer is D
A. This is incorrect because weight gain is not expected in clients who have COPD, as they often have difficulty eating and digesting food due to dyspnea and fatigue.
B. This is incorrect because a decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest is not typical of COPD, as the condition causes hyperinflation and air trapping in the lungs, leading to an increase in chest size and a barrel-shaped appearance.
C. This is incorrect because HCO3 24 mEq/L is within the normal range for blood bicarbonate levels, which are 22 to 26 mEq/L. Clients who have COPD often have chronic respiratory acidosis, which stimulates the kidneys to retain bicarbonate and increase its levels in the blood to compensate for the low pH.
D. This is correct because pH 7.31 indicates acidosis, which is common in clients who have COPD due to impaired gas exchange and accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Difficulty performing ADLs such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or feeding may indicate that the client has impaired motor function, sensory perception, or cognitive ability due to the stroke, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help the client regain or adapt their skills and abilities for daily living.
B. Incorrect. Inability to swallow clear liquids may indicate that the client has dysphagia or impaired swallowing function due to the stroke, which can increase their risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Speech therapy can help the client improve their swallowing function and provide recommendations for safe oral intake.
C. Incorrect. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate that the client has diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism due to the stroke, which can affect their healing and recovery process and increase their risk of complications such as infection or hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia episodes. Diabetes education and management can help the client control their blood glucose levels and prevent adverse outcomes.
D. Incorrect. Unsteady gait when ambulating may indicate that the client has impaired balance, coordination, or muscle strength due to the stroke, which can affect their mobility and safety and increase their risk of falls or injuries. Physical therapy can help the client improve their gait and mobility and provide assistive devices if needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Oliguria. This is incorrect because oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload.
B. Bradycardia. This is incorrect because bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of fluid volume overload, unless the client has a cardiac condition that affects the heart's response to fluid overload.
C. Dyspnea. This is correct because dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common sign of fluid volume overload, as excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
D. Poor skin turgor. This is incorrect because poor skin turgor, or decreased elasticity of the skin, is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload.
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