A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is performing an admission assessment of a client who has COPD with emphysema. The client reports that he has a frequent productive cough and is short of breath. The nurse should anticipate which of the following assessment findings for this client?

Oxygen saturation level 96%

Respiratory alkalosis

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest

Petechiae on chest

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, also known as barrel chest, is a common finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema. It is caused by chronic air trapping and hyperinﬂation of the lungs, which results in fattening of the diaphragm and widening of the rib cage.

a) Oxygen saturation level 96% is within the normal range of 95% to 100% and does not indicate hypoxemia or impaired gas exchange. Clients who have COPD with emphysema typically have lower oxygen saturation levels, ranging from 88% to 92%.
b) Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hyperventilation, which can occur in response to hypoxia, anxiety, or pain. Clients who have COPD with emphysema usually have respiratory acidosis, which is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hypoventilation, which results from impaired lung function and airway obstruction.
d) Petechiae on chest are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. They are not a typical finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema, unless they have severe coughing episodes or coagulation disorders. They can indicate infection, inﬂammation, trauma, or vascular disease.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Continuing to monitor the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is a normal and expected finding. The water seal chamber acts as a one-way valve that allows air to exit from the pleural space and prevents air from entering. The water level in this chamber ﬂuctuates with breathing, rising with inspiration and falling with expiration. This indicates that the chest tube system is functioning properly and that there is no air leak.

a) Immediately notifying the provider is not necessary, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is not an abnormal or urgent finding. The nurse should only notify the provider if there are signs of complications, such as persistent bubbling in the water seal chamber, which indicates an air leak, or no ﬂuctuation in the water level, which indicates an obstruction or resolution of pneumothorax.
b) Clamping the chest tube near the water seal is not advisable, as it can cause increased pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube should only be done for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Repositioning the client toward the left side is not helpful, as it does not aﬀect the water level in the water seal chamber. The nurse should position the client according to their comfort and condition, and avoid placing them ﬂat or on their aﬀected side, as this can impair drainage and ventilation.

A. "Your doctor is a great surgeon. You will be fine." B. "You may feel scared. Let's talk about what you are afraid of." C. "I understand your fears. I was a smoker also." D. "Don't worry. The important thing is you have now quit smoking."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This response is empathetic and therapeutic, as it acknowledges the client's feelings and invites her to express her concerns. It also shows respect and interest in the client's perspective.

a) This response is false reassurance and nontherapeutic, as it dismisses the client's feelings and implies

that the surgery will solve everything.

b) This response is self-disclosure and nontherapeutic, as it shifts the focus from the client to the nurse and

does not address the client's fears.

d) This response is minimizing and nontherapeutic, as it tells the client how to feel and does not acknowledge the client's regret or anxiety.

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A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is performing an admission assessment of a client who has COPD with emphysema. The client reports that he has a frequent productive cough and is short of breath. The nurse should anticipate which of the following assessment findings for this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take after noticing a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is to undergo a left lobectomy to treat lung cancer. The client tells the nurse that she is scared and wishes she had never smoked. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to assess in this client? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to assess in this client? (Select all that apply.)