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

Petechiae on the chest.

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.

Oxygen saturation level 96%.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is choice B. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.

Choice A rationale:

Petechiae on the chest (Choice A) are tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to small blood vessel breakage. They are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. Petechiae are more often related to conditions like thrombocytopenia or certain infections, where blood clotting is impaired.

Choice B rationale:

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, often referred to as "barrel chest," is a characteristic finding in clients with COPD and emphysema. This occurs due to the hyperinflation of the lungs and the loss of elasticity in the lung tissues, which causes the chest to become rounded and the ribs to be positioned more horizontally.

Choice C rationale:

An oxygen saturation level of 96% (Choice C) is within the normal range for oxygen saturation. However, while it's important for clients with COPD to maintain adequate oxygen levels, this value doesn't specifically correlate with the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis (Choice D) involves an increase in blood pH due to decreased levels of carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) caused by hyperventilation. While respiratory alkalosis can occur in clients with COPD due to compensatory hyperventilation, it is not a direct assessment finding related to the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Re-measuring the respiratory rate is unnecessary. The reported respiratory rate falls within the normal range of 12-20 breaths per minute for adults.

Choice B rationale:

Re-measuring the temperature is the correct action. Tympanic temperature measurements can be influenced by factors such as earwax buildup, ear infection, or improper placement of the thermometer. Repeating the temperature measurement ensures accuracy.

Choice C rationale:

Re-measuring the pulse rate is unnecessary. The reported pulse rate of 92 beats per minute falls within the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute for adults.

Choice D rationale:

Re-measuring the blood pressure is unnecessary. The reported blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg, while at the lower end of the normal range (typically around 90/60 mm Hg), is not excessively low and doesn't indicate an immediate need for concern.

A. Toe. B. Earlobe. C. Skin fold. D. Finger.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Applying the pulse oximeter probe to the toe is not the most appropriate location. While toe measurements can be used, the fingers are more commonly used due to their accessibility and accuracy. Edema in the hands could affect the accuracy of readings.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to the earlobe. This choice is correct because the earlobe is a well-vascularized and easily accessible area that provides accurate oxygen saturation measurements. Thickened toenails and edema of the hands might compromise readings in those locations.

Choice C rationale:

Applying the pulse oximeter probe to a skin fold is not a recommended site for oxygen saturation measurement. While there are various sites where pulse oximeters can be applied, the earlobe and finger are more suitable due to their consistent blood flow and accessibility.

Choice D rationale:

While applying the pulse oximeter probe to the finger is a common and acceptable practice, in this scenario, edema of the hands could affect the accuracy of the readings. The earlobe is a better choice as it is less likely to be affected by edema and can provide accurate readings.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An assistive personnel (AP) reports a client's vital signs as tympanic temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F), pulse 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and BP 88/58 mm Hg. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse re-measure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A Cardiovascular nurse is preparing to measure a client's level of oxygen saturation and observes edema of both hands and thickened toenails. The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to which of the following locations?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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