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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Volunteer to provide an inservice about infection control.While providing an inservice about infection control is important, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse needs to address the current situation to prevent potential contamination and infection spread.
B. Speak with the AP when he exits the room about the appropriate protocol.Speaking with the AP about the appropriate protocol is necessary, but it should be done after ensuring the immediate safety of the client and others. Delaying action could result in exposure to infectious agents.
C. Provide the appropriate PPE to the AP.This action addresses the immediate risk of infection transmission. By providing the appropriate PPE, the nurse ensures that the AP can safely continue their duties without putting themselves or the client at risk.
D. Notify the charge nurse about the AP's need for training.Notifying the charge nurse is important for long-term improvement, but it does not address the immediate risk. The nurse must first ensure that the AP is properly equipped to handle the current situation safely.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing wound irrigation might be necessary during the dressing change, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. First, the nurse should ensure they have all the necessary supplies to prevent interruptions during the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
While avoiding accidentally removing the drain is important, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Ensuring that all supplies are gathered and ready will help facilitate a smooth and organized dressing change.
Choice C rationale:
Gathering supplies is the priority in this situation. Having all the needed supplies readily available ensures that the dressing change can be carried out efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Choice D rationale:
Providing analgesic medication as ordered by the provider is important for the patient's comfort during the procedure. However, it should not be the first action the nurse takes. First, the nurse should ensure that they have all the necessary supplies to conduct the dressing change safely.
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