A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse understand might develop with this condition?
(Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

Smoking tobacco is the primary and most significant risk factor for emphysema. Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals and toxins that directly damage the lungs. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke leads to inflammation and destruction of lung tissue, particularly the alveoli, contributing to the development of emphysema.

Choice B Reason:

Between 20 to 30 years of age. While smoking at any age is harmful to lung health, the risk of developing emphysema increases with prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke over many years. Emphysema is typically a disease of middle to older age, with symptoms often appearing after years of smoking.

Choice C Reason:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. While asthma and emphysema are both respiratory diseases, they have distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. Asthma is not a direct cause of emphysema, although some individuals with poorly controlled asthma may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema as one of its components.

Choice D Reason:

Pollution is not correct. Environmental pollution, including air pollution from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and particulate matter, can contribute to respiratory problems and exacerbate pre-existing lung conditions. While exposure to pollution can worsen respiratory symptoms and lung function, it is not the primary cause of emphysema. However, long-term exposure to certain pollutants may increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases, including COPD, which encompasses emphysema.

Choice A Reason:

Client responds to name is incorrect. Responding to one's name is a positive sign indicating consciousness and orientation. It suggests that the client's level of consciousness is relatively intact.

Choice B Reason:

Eyes open to painful stimuli is correct. Opening the eyes in response to painful stimuli is a concerning sign, indicating a decrease in consciousness and potentially worsening neurological status. It suggests that the client's level of arousal is diminishing and may indicate a decline in condition.

Choice C Reason:

Client states day of the week is correct. Oriented behavior, such as knowing the day of the week, is a positive sign indicating intact cognition and orientation. It suggests that the client's mental status is relatively preserved.

Choice D Reason:

Client is confused is correct. Confusion is a concerning sign, indicating altered mental status and potentially worsening neurological function. It suggests that the client's cognition is impaired, which may be indicative of a decline in condition.

Choice E Reason:

Client mumbles inappropriate words is correct. Mumbling inappropriate words suggests disorientation and altered mental status, which are concerning signs indicating a decline in neurological function.

Choice F Reason:

Eyes do not open to name is incorrect. Failure to open the eyes in response to verbal stimuli, such as one's name, is a concerning sign indicating a decrease in consciousness and potentially worsening neurological status. It suggests that the client's level of arousal is diminished and may indicate a decline in condition.