A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Weight gain
Decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest
HCO3 24 mEq/L
pH 7.31
The Correct Answer is D
A. This is incorrect because weight gain is not expected in clients who have COPD, as they often have difficulty eating and digesting food due to dyspnea and fatigue.
B. This is incorrect because a decrease in anteroposterior diameter of the chest is not typical of COPD, as the condition causes hyperinflation and air trapping in the lungs, leading to an increase in chest size and a barrel-shaped appearance.
C. This is incorrect because HCO3 24 mEq/L is within the normal range for blood bicarbonate levels, which are 22 to 26 mEq/L. Clients who have COPD often have chronic respiratory acidosis, which stimulates the kidneys to retain bicarbonate and increase its levels in the blood to compensate for the low pH.
D. This is correct because pH 7.31 indicates acidosis, which is common in clients who have COPD due to impaired gas exchange and accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason
While thinning of secretions can be a positive sign, it's not always visible. A decrease in peak inspiratory pressure is a more objective indicator of improved airway patency.
Choice B reason.
Peak inspiratory pressure is the maximum pressure required to push air into the lungs. If suctioning is effective, it will remove secretions and reduce airway resistance, leading to a decrease in peak inspiratory pressure.
Choice C reason:
While a productive cough can indicate that secretions are being moved, it doesn't directly measure the effectiveness of suctioning.
Choice D reason:
Flattening of the artificial airway cuff: Flattening of the artificial airway cuff is not a relevant indicator of the effectiveness of suctioning. The cuff of an endotracheal tube is inflated to prevent air leaks around the tube and to maintain proper ventilation. It is not directly related to the effectiveness of suctioning.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A is correct because aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy and guides dosage adjustments.
B is incorrect because PT (prothrombin time) measures the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, not heparin.
C is incorrect because INR (international normalized ratio) is a standardized version of PT that also monitors warfarin therapy, not heparin.
D is incorrect because WBC count (white blood cell count) measures the body's immune response and has no relation to heparin therapy.
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