A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD.

Nurses' Notes

Vital Signs

Medication

Home health nurse admission note:

Client discharged from healthcare facility yesterday following a 4-day stay for exacerbation of COPD. Lives alone; alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Lung fields with scattered rhonchi throughout, cough productive for thick white sputum, dyspnea with minimal exertion.

Clubbing is noted on fingers, chest is barrel-shaped. Supplemental oxygen at 2L/min via nasal cannula.

Home Health Nurse Note 3 days following discharge from health care facility: Client sleeping in recliner with nasal canula on their lap; awakens easily and is oriented to person but disoriented to place and time.

Lung sounds with scattered rhonchi, cough productive for thick, yellow secretions. 2+pitting edema bilateral in ankles and feet.

Re-oriented client. Client states "I don't remember if I did that breathing machine thing you told me about."

Instructed client on oxygen use, safety, and nebulizer treatments. Elevated lower extremities.

Select the 5 findings that require follow-up.

- Disorientation may indicate hypoxia, infection, or medication side effects. - Yellow sputum may indicate a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. - Nebulizer use may indicate that the client is not using it correctly or regularly as  prescribed, which can affect their lung function and oxygenation. - Ankle edema may indicate fluid overload or heart failure, which can worsen  COPD symptoms and increase the risk of complications.

- Living alone may pose safety risks for the client, especially if they are disoriented  or have difficulty managing their oxygen and nebulizer treatments. The nurse  should assess the client's support system and refer them to community resources if  needed.