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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stage I Pressure ulcer - This choice is not correct because a Stage I pressure ulcer is characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence. There is no partial-thickness skin loss at this stage.
Choice B rationale:
Stage II Pressure ulcer - This is the correct choice. A Stage II pressure ulcer involves partial-thickness skin loss that presents as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed, without slough. It may also manifest as an intact or open/ruptured serum-filled blister.
Choice C rationale:
Stage IV Pressure ulcer - This choice is not correct because a Stage IV pressure ulcer involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. There is no mention of such extensive tissue loss in the given scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Stage II Pressure ulcer - This choice is a duplicate of Choice B and is not correct for the reasons stated above.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D - "Eating a high fiber diet will reduce my risk for developing skin cancer."
Choice A rationale:
Checking the skin monthly for any changes is a recommended practice for early detection of skin cancer. Changes in the size, color, shape, or appearance of moles or spots can be indicative of skin cancer. This statement demonstrates understanding and does not require further teaching.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding the use of tanning booths is a crucial recommendation for preventing skin cancer. Tanning booths emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. This statement reflects accurate knowledge and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice C rationale:
Using sunscreen even on cloudy days is a sound practice to prevent skin cancer. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage even when the sun is not directly visible. This statement shows good understanding and does not require further teaching.
Choice D rationale:
Eating a high fiber diet will reduce my risk for developing skin cancer - This statement indicates a need for further teaching. While a high fiber diet has various health benefits, it is not directly linked to reducing the risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer prevention primarily involves sun protection measures, avoiding tanning beds, and regular skin checks. The nurse should clarify the correct strategies for preventing skin cancer.
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