A nurse is admitting a client who has hepatitis

Choice A rationale:

Pneumonia is not likely to be the correct answer. Pneumonia is often characterized by productive cough, fever, chest pain, and increased tactile fremitus due to consolidation of lung tissue. The presence of barrel chest, decreased tactile fremitus, and hyperresonant percussion sounds is not consistent with pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Atelectasis is not the most likely option. Atelectasis refers to collapsed or partially collapsed lung tissue, which can lead to decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus. The symptoms mentioned in the scenario, such as prolonged expiration, wheezes, and barrel chest, are not indicative of atelectasis.

Choice C rationale:

Pleural effusion is not the most suitable choice. Pleural effusion usually presents with decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased tactile fremitus over the affected area due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space. The hyperresonant percussion sounds and the presence of wheezes and rhonchi do not align with pleural effusion.

Choice D rationale:

Emphysema is the most likely disorder based on the given symptoms. Barrel chest (increased anterior-posterior chest diameter), limited lung expansion, decreased tactile fremitus, hyperresonant percussion sounds, prolonged expiration, wheezes, and rhonchi are characteristic findings of emphysema. This condition involves damage to the alveoli and their supporting structures, leading to air trapping, reduced lung elasticity, and obstructed airflow. The patient's use of accessory muscles to breathe further suggests a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema.

Choice A rationale:

Restricting the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day is not an appropriate intervention for a client with COPD. Adequate hydration is important to help thin mucus secretions and improve respiratory function. Restricting fluids can lead to thicker mucus and exacerbate breathing difficulties.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to use pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial intervention for someone with COPD. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve breathing efficiency by promoting better air exchange and preventing air trapping, which is common in COPD. It helps slow down breathing and increases oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale:

Having the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity might not be the best choice. Morning hours can be when clients with COPD experience more respiratory symptoms. It's advisable to schedule activities during times when the client feels more comfortable and less breathless.

Choice D rationale:

Providing the client with a low-protein diet is not a relevant intervention for COPD management. COPD primarily affects the lungs and respiratory system, and a low-protein diet is not a standard part of its management. Nutritional recommendations for COPD typically focus on maintaining a balanced diet to support overall health.