A client with COPD develops a barrel chest over time. What is the primary reason for this change?
Decreased lung compliance
Pneumonia
Air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs
Increased pulmonary blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
A. Decreased lung compliance – While lung compliance may be affected in COPD, it is not the direct cause of barrel chest.
B. Pneumonia – Pneumonia is an acute infection and does not cause the chronic structural change of barrel chest.
C. Air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs – In COPD, especially emphysema, chronic air trapping and lung hyperinflation lead to an increase in the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, resulting in a barrel-shaped chest.
D. Increased pulmonary blood pressure – While pulmonary hypertension can occur with advanced COPD, it is not responsible for the barrel chest appearance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Respiratory alkalosis – Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH (>7.45) and low PaCO₂ (<35 mm Hg) due to hyperventilation.
B. Respiratory acidosis – The pH is low (7.30) indicating acidosis, and the PaCO₂ is elevated (49 mm Hg), indicating that the cause is respiratory (CO₂ retention due to hypoventilation). The HCO₃ is normal (23 mEq/L), which supports that the cause is not metabolic.
C. Metabolic alkalosis – This would show an elevated pH (>7.45) and elevated HCO₃ (>28 mEq/L), which is not present here.
D. Metabolic acidosis – Metabolic acidosis is indicated by low pH and low HCO₃ (<21 mEq/L), which is not the case in these ABG values.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client has become addicted to the medication. – Addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use despite harm. In a hospice setting, tolerance and dependence are expected and should not be confused with addiction.
B. The client is experiencing episodes of confusion. – While morphine may cause confusion, especially in elderly or very ill clients, this does not explain the need for a higher dose for pain relief.
C. The client developed a tolerance to the medication. – Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This is common with long-term opioid use for chronic or terminal pain.
D. The client has not been taking the medication properly. – There is no indication of noncompliance. The need for a higher dose is more accurately attributed to tolerance, especially in terminal illness.
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