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A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A.

Weight gain

B.

Decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest

C.

HCO3 24 mEq/L

D.

pH 7.31

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

pH 7.31

Rationale:

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Activating the fire alarm system is the second action the nurse should take after rescuing the individuals in the area.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining and using a fire extinguisher should only be attempted by personnel trained to do so. Using a fire extinguisher incorrectly can escalate the fire or cause harm to individuals in the vicinity. The priority is to evacuate and let trained personnel handle the fire.

Choice C rationale:

Evacuating clients from the area is an essential and immediate step. Evacuation ensures the safety of everyone in the area, preventing potential harm due to smoke inhalation or fire spread.

Choice D rationale:

Closing the doors and windows on the unit can help contain the fire and prevent its spread. However, this action should be taken after activating the fire alarm system and initiating the evacuation process. Closing doors and windows can buy some time and limit the fire's oxygen supply, but it should not delay the evacuation procedure.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

- A. Incorrect. Evaluating dietary intake requires nursing judgment and knowledge of nutrition and eating disorders. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

- B. Incorrect. Measuring vital signs of a postoperative client requires nursing assessment and monitoring for complications. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

- C. Correct. Arranging the lunch tray for a client who has a hip fracture is a routine task that does not require nursing skills or judgment. This task can be delegated to an AP.

- D. Incorrect. Assessing I&O for a client who is receiving dialysis requires nursing knowledge of fluid and electrolyte balance and renal function. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

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