A nurse is collecting data from a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Dyspnea
Barrel chest
Clubbing of the fingers
Shallow respirations
Bradycardia
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Dyspnea: Dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of emphysema. As lung function deteriorates, the client experiences difficulty breathing, especially during exertion, due to reduced gas exchange and air trapping in the lungs.
B. Barrel chest: A barrel chest is a common finding in emphysema due to hyperinflation of the lungs over time. This causes the chest to become rounded and expands the anterior-posterior diameter of the thorax.
C. Clubbing of the fingers: Clubbing of the fingers is not a typical finding in emphysema or COPD. It is more commonly associated with conditions like lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart disease, where chronic severe hypoxia is present.
D. Shallow respirations: Clients with emphysema often exhibit shallow respirations as their lung elasticity decreases, making it difficult to fully exhale. As a result, breathing may become more rapid and shallow to compensate for poor oxygen exchange.
E. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not typically associated with emphysema. Instead, clients with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema may experience tachycardia as the body tries to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Facial flushing
Facial flushing is not typically associated with atelectasis. Instead, it may occur in conditions such as oxygen toxicity or fever.
B. Increasing dyspnea
Atelectasis is a condition characterized by the collapse or partial collapse of a portion of the lung. Common findings in a client with atelectasis include increasing dyspnea (shortness of breath) due to impaired gas exchange and reduced lung function. As the affected lung tissue collapses, ventilation and oxygenation are compromised, leading to difficulty breathing.
C. Decreasing respiratory rate
A decreasing respiratory rate is not typically observed in a client with atelectasis. Instead, respiratory rate may increase as the body attempts to compensate for the impaired gas exchange and oxygenation resulting from lung collapse.
D. Dry cough
While coughing is a common symptom of atelectasis, it is typically associated with a productive cough rather than a dry cough. A dry cough is more commonly associated with conditions such as viral respiratory infections or allergic reactions. In atelectasis, the cough may be productive as the body attempts to clear mucus or other secretions from the affected airways.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Nausea
While nausea can occur in hypoxia, it is less common compared to other symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing), confusion, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes).
B. Dysphagia
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is not typically associated with hypoxia. It is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological disorders affecting swallowing function.
C. Agitation
Manifestations of hypoxia can vary depending on the severity and duration of oxygen deprivation. Agitation is a common finding in hypoxia, particularly in cases of acute or severe hypoxemia. As the body's oxygen supply becomes compromised, the brain may perceive this as a threat, leading to increased anxiety, restlessness, and agitation as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
D. Warm, dry skin
Warm, dry skin is not a typical finding in hypoxia. Instead, hypoxia may lead to peripheral vasoconstriction and cool, clammy skin as the body attempts to conserve oxygen and maintain core body temperature.
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