A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Which finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds

Rationale: Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds indicates severe hypoxia and requires immediate intervention. The nurse should report this finding to the provider and administer oxygen as prescribed.

Incorrect options:

A) Barrel-shaped chest - This is a common finding in clients with COPD, due to the increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest caused by air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs. It does not require immediate intervention.

B) Clubbing of the fingers - This is a sign of chronic hypoxia and is often seen in clients with COPD. It results from the proliferation of connective tissue at the base of the nails due to chronic low oxygen levels. It does not require immediate intervention.

D) Wheezes on auscultation - This is an expected finding in clients with COPD, due to the narrowing of the airways caused by inflammation, mucus production, and bronchospasm. It does not require immediate intervention.

Nuchal rigidity

Rationale: Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and indicates inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Kernig's sign is a test that involves flexing the client's hip and knee at 90 degrees and then attempting to straighten the leg. A positive Kernig's sign is when the client experiences pain or resistance in the hamstring muscles, indicating meningeal irritation.

Incorrect options:

A) Fever - This is a nonspecific sign of infection and inflammation and does not indicate meningitis specifically.

B) Headache - This is a common symptom of meningitis, due to the increased intracranial pressure caused by inflammation of the meninges. However, it is not a specific sign that warrants performing a Kernig's sign test.

D) Photophobia - This is a common symptom of meningitis, due to the sensitivity of the optic nerve to light caused by inflammation of the meninges. However, it is not a specific sign that warrants performing a Kernig's sign test.