An admitting nurse is assessing a client with COPD. The nurse auscultates diminished breath sounds. These findings indicated the nurse to monitor the client for what?
Kyphosis and clubbing of the fingers
Dyspnea and hypoxemia
Sepsis and pneumothorax
Bradypnea and pursed-lip breathing
The Correct Answer is C
A. Kyphosis and clubbing of the fingers:
Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the spine, which is not directly related to diminished breath sounds. Clubbing of the fingers is often associated with chronic respiratory conditions, but it is not directly linked to the finding of diminished breath sounds.
B. Dyspnea and hypoxemia:
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) are common symptoms in COPD, but diminished breath sounds may indicate an additional concern, such as pneumothorax or other complications.
C. Sepsis and pneumothorax:
Diminished breath sounds can be a sign of pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Sepsis is a risk in clients with COPD due to the potential for respiratory infections. Monitoring for these complications is crucial.

D. Bradypnea and pursed-lip breathing:
Bradypnea (slow breathing) and pursed-lip breathing are coping mechanisms that individuals with COPD may use to manage their breathing difficulties. While they are relevant in the context of COPD, they are not directly associated with the finding of diminished breath sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Monitor daily weights and urine output.
Monitoring daily weights and urine output is an important aspect of managing heart failure or other cardiac conditions. However, in the context of a client with chest pain, ST elevation, and elevated cardiac enzymes (indicating a myocardial infarction), the immediate focus is on addressing the acute event and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
B. Administer TPA to prevent further damage as a result of a clot.
Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is a thrombolytic medication that can be administered to dissolve blood clots in the coronary arteries during a myocardial infarction. However, the administration of TPA has a specific timeframe within which it is most effective. It is crucial to know the elapsed time since the onset of symptoms, and there are specific criteria and contraindications for its use.
C. Provide client education on medications and diet to prevent recurrence.
Client education on medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes is an essential component of long-term management for preventing recurrence of cardiovascular events. However, during the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, the immediate priority is to stabilize the client and address the acute event, with education being a secondary consideration.
D. Reduce pain and myocardial oxygen demand.
During the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, reducing pain and myocardial oxygen demand is the highest priority. This is typically achieved through the administration of medications such as nitroglycerin for vasodilation and opioids for pain relief. Other interventions to optimize oxygen supply and demand, such as supplemental oxygen and reperfusion strategies, may also be considered.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Normal sinus rhythm that becomes sinus tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia can be an indication of increased sympathetic activity in response to decreased cardiac output. It may suggest the heart's compensatory response to maintain adequate perfusion.
B. Onset of a cough with pink, frothy sputum
Pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, which can occur in the setting of worsening heart failure. It indicates the presence of blood-tinged fluid in the alveoli.
C. Presence of dyspnea at rest
Dyspnea at rest suggests that the client is experiencing difficulty breathing even without physical exertion. This can be indicative of more severe heart failure.
D. Falls asleep when not disturbed
Falling asleep when not disturbed may indicate fatigue or exhaustion, which is common in individuals with heart failure. However, it is not a direct indicator of worsening heart failure and can be influenced by various factors.
E. Urine drainage is increased in amount
Increased urine output can be a sign of diuretic therapy or an attempt by the body to compensate for fluid overload. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as renal function and medication effects.
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