A nurse is caring for a client who has shortness of breath and a chronic cough. The client has smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for the last 20 years. Which finding on the client's chest x-ray would be consistent with a diagnosis of advanced COPD?

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary muscles. Key features include fluctuating muscle weakness that typically worsens with activity and improves with rest, bilateral ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), and difficulty with swallowing and speaking. The fact that the client's facial muscle strength is better in the morning and worsens throughout the day is a hallmark of MG. The edrophonium (Tensilon) test is specifically used to diagnose MG by temporarily improving muscle strength.

Antibodies at the neuromuscular junction

Myasthenia Gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that target acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to impaired communication between nerves and muscles. This is consistent with the described symptoms and the use of the edrophonium (Tensilon) test to diagnose the condition.

. Shellfish allergies are related to potential reactions to iodinated contrast media used in imaging studies, such as CT scans, rather than to spirometry. Spirometry does not involve contrast media or shellfish, so this question is not pertinent for this test.
B.A Metal implants are typically a concern for imaging tests like MRI, which involve strong magnetic fields. Spirometry, however, does not involve any imaging or use of magnetic fields, so metal implants do not affect spirometry results. Thus, this question is not relevant for spirometry preparation.
C. This is a relevant question for spirometry testing. Bronchodilators are medications used to open the airways and improve breathing. They can affect spirometry results if taken shortly before the test. For accurate assessment, the nurse needs to know if the client has used any bronchodilators, as they might need to adjust the testing protocol or account for the medication's effects on lung function.
D. Spirometry does not typically involve enclosed spaces that would trigger claustrophobia, as it is a breathing test usually performed with the client sitting comfortably in an open space. Claustrophobia is more relevant to imaging studies like MRIs or CT scans, where the client might be in a confined space.