A nurse is caring for a client with asthma. Which of the following statements are true regarding physiological changes of the respiratory system in the aging adult client?

Choice A Reason:

Weight loss is inappropriate. Weight loss can occur in individuals with COPD, particularly in advanced stages of the disease. Factors contributing to weight loss may include decreased appetite, increased energy expenditure due to labored breathing, and muscle wasting.

Choice B Reason:

Poor nutrition is inappropriate. Poor nutrition is a significant risk factor in COPD. Individuals with COPD may experience difficulties with eating due to dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Malnutrition can lead to muscle weakness, decreased immune function, and worsened respiratory status.

Choice C Reason:

Muscle dysfunction is inappropriate: Muscle dysfunction, particularly skeletal muscle dysfunction, is common in COPD. Reduced physical activity, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic abnormalities contribute to muscle wasting and weakness in individuals with COPD.

Choice D Reason

.Increased risk for pneumonia is incorrect. Individuals with COPD are at an increased risk for respiratory infections, including pneumonia. COPD-related factors such as impaired mucociliary clearance, airway inflammation, and reduced lung function predispose patients to respiratory infections.

Choice A Reason:

Pleural cavity decompression via needle aspiration is inappropriate. Pleural cavity decompression via needle aspiration may be indicated in cases of tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening condition in which air accumulates in the pleural space and compresses the lung. While it is an intervention rather than a diagnostic tool, it may be performed emergently if tension pneumothorax is suspected based on clinical findings.

Choice B Reason:

Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is appropriate. FAST is a bedside ultrasound examination commonly used in trauma settings to rapidly assess for the presence of free fluid in the pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal spaces. It can help identify hemopericardium, hemothorax, or intra-abdominal hemorrhage, which may be indicative of thoracic injury.

Choice C Reason:

Chest x-ray is appropriate. Chest x-ray is a commonly used imaging modality for evaluating thoracic injuries. It can help visualize abnormalities such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusions, or other traumatic injuries to the chest.

Choice D Reason:

Thoracentesis is appropriate. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to sample fluid from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It may be indicated if there is a suspicion of pleural effusion or if fluid accumulation is seen on imaging studies such as chest x-ray or ultrasound.

Choice E Reason:

Ultrasound is appropriate. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate various aspects of thoracic injuries, including the presence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. It is often used as part of the FAST examination but can also be performed separately for more detailed assessment.