A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic respiratory acidosis due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect with this client?

Choice A Reason:

Temperature 36.3°C (97.4°F) is correct. Hypothermia is a characteristic finding in neurogenic shock due to the loss of sympathetic control over temperature regulation and peripheral vasodilation. This can lead to heat loss from the skin surface and a decrease in core body temperature.

Choice B Reason:

Respirations 12/min is incorrect. Respiratory rate is usually not significantly affected in neurogenic shock. However, individuals with high cervical or upper thoracic spinal cord injuries may experience respiratory compromise due to paralysis of respiratory muscles, but this is not a typical feature of neurogenic shock.

Choice C Reason:

Incorrect: Neurogenic shock typically results inhypotension(low blood pressure) due to vasodilation. The given blood pressure reading is elevated, which is not consistent with neurogenic shock.

Choice D Reason:

Heart rate 54/min is correct. Bradycardia is a common finding in neurogenic shock due to unopposed parasympathetic activity resulting from the loss of sympathetic tone. The heart rate may be slow and may decrease further over time.

Choice E Reason:

Calcium level 7.0 mg/dL is incorrect, Calcium levels are not directly related to neurogenic shock. Neurogenic shock primarily involves the loss of sympathetic tone and the resulting hemodynamic changes, rather than alterations in calcium metabolism.

Choice A Reason:

"Do panting breaths several times a day." This statement is inappropriate. Panting breaths involve rapid, shallow breathing similar to what a dog does when it's hot. This technique may not be as effective in clearing mucus or promoting lung expansion compared to deep coughing. While panting breaths may have some benefits in promoting ventilation and increasing lung volume, they may not be as targeted or efficient in preventing atelectasis as other techniques such as deep coughing

Choice B Reason:

"Perform deep coughing twice a day." This statement is correct. Deep coughing helps clear mucus and secretions from the airways, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to atelectasis. It promotes airway clearance and lung expansion, maintaining respiratory function. Regular deep coughing is particularly important for individuals with spinal cord injuries, as they may have impaired cough reflexes or weakened respiratory muscles, increasing their vulnerability to atelectasis.

Choice C Reason:

"Strengthen your chest muscles by performing therapy exercises." This statement is incorrect. While strengthening chest muscles through therapy exercises can be beneficial for overall respiratory health, it may not directly target the prevention of atelectasis. Atelectasis is primarily caused by the collapse of lung tissue due to mucus buildup or reduced lung expansion, rather than weakness of chest muscles. While therapy exercises may have other benefits such as improving respiratory function and endurance, they may not be the most effective strategy for preventing atelectasis in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Choice D Reason:

"Get plenty of rest throughout the day." This statement is incorrect. Rest is important for overall health and well-being, but it may not directly contribute to the prevention of atelectasis. Inactivity and prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of atelectasis by reducing lung expansion and promoting mucus accumulation in the airways. While adequate rest is necessary for recovery and energy conservation, it should be balanced with activities that promote lung expansion and airway clearance, such as deep breathing exercises and mobility.