A nurse is collecting data from a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Dyspnea
Barrel chest
Clubbing of the fingers
Shallow respirations
Bradycardia
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Dyspnea: Dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of emphysema. As lung function deteriorates, the client experiences difficulty breathing, especially during exertion, due to reduced gas exchange and air trapping in the lungs.
B. Barrel chest: A barrel chest is a common finding in emphysema due to hyperinflation of the lungs over time. This causes the chest to become rounded and expands the anterior-posterior diameter of the thorax.
C. Clubbing of the fingers: Clubbing of the fingers is not a typical finding in emphysema or COPD. It is more commonly associated with conditions like lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart disease, where chronic severe hypoxia is present.
D. Shallow respirations: Clients with emphysema often exhibit shallow respirations as their lung elasticity decreases, making it difficult to fully exhale. As a result, breathing may become more rapid and shallow to compensate for poor oxygen exchange.
E. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not typically associated with emphysema. Instead, clients with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema may experience tachycardia as the body tries to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Offer small frequent meals
Offering small, frequent meals is beneficial for patients with COPD because it helps overcome the challenges associated with dyspnea and fatigue. Large meals can cause discomfort and increase the effort required for breathing, which can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. By providing smaller, more manageable portions of food throughout the day, patients with COPD can maintain their energy levels and meet their nutritional needs without experiencing excessive respiratory distress.
B. Encourage extra liquids with meals
Encouraging extra liquids with meals can help prevent dehydration and thin respiratory secretions, making it easier for patients with COPD to manage their respiratory symptoms. However, excessive fluid intake can also lead to feelings of fullness and discomfort, especially in patients with compromised lung function. Therefore, while it's important to encourage adequate hydration, particularly during meals, it's also essential to balance fluid intake to avoid exacerbating respiratory symptoms.
C. Assist the patient to exercise before meals
While regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help improve respiratory function in patients with COPD, exercising immediately before meals may not be practical or advisable for all patients. Patients with COPD may experience fatigue and dyspnea during physical activity, which can affect their ability to eat and digest food effectively. Additionally, exercising before meals may increase energy expenditure and exacerbate respiratory symptoms, making it more challenging for patients to consume an adequate amount of nutrients. Instead, patients with COPD may benefit from engaging in light physical activity or respiratory exercises at a different time of day to improve their respiratory function and overall well-being.
D. Supply information about nutrition
Providing information about nutrition is essential for patients with COPD to help them make healthy dietary choices and manage their condition effectively. However, simply supplying information may not be sufficient to enhance the nutritional status of patients with COPD. It's important to offer practical guidance and support, such as meal planning tips, dietary modifications, and strategies for overcoming barriers to healthy eating. Additionally, individualized dietary counseling from a registered dietitian can be beneficial for patients with COPD to address specific nutritional needs and preferences.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Facial flushing
Facial flushing is not typically associated with atelectasis. Instead, it may occur in conditions such as oxygen toxicity or fever.
B. Increasing dyspnea
Atelectasis is a condition characterized by the collapse or partial collapse of a portion of the lung. Common findings in a client with atelectasis include increasing dyspnea (shortness of breath) due to impaired gas exchange and reduced lung function. As the affected lung tissue collapses, ventilation and oxygenation are compromised, leading to difficulty breathing.
C. Decreasing respiratory rate
A decreasing respiratory rate is not typically observed in a client with atelectasis. Instead, respiratory rate may increase as the body attempts to compensate for the impaired gas exchange and oxygenation resulting from lung collapse.
D. Dry cough
While coughing is a common symptom of atelectasis, it is typically associated with a productive cough rather than a dry cough. A dry cough is more commonly associated with conditions such as viral respiratory infections or allergic reactions. In atelectasis, the cough may be productive as the body attempts to clear mucus or other secretions from the affected airways.
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