A patient, who is on complete bed rest following extensive surgery, begins to complain of chest pain and shortness of breath with hemoptysis.

His SO2 measures 90%. The nurse recognizes that the patient is most likely exhibiting signs and symptoms of which condition?

Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not necessarily concerning for a client with COPD. COPD patients often have higher respiratory rates due to their chronic lung condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which could be a sign of infection. However, it is not the most concerning finding in a COPD patient.
Choice C rationale
A pulse oximetry reading of 88% is concerning because it indicates hypoxemia. COPD patients often have lower oxygen levels, but a reading below 90% is worrisome and may require supplemental oxygen or other interventions.
Choice D rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is elevated but not immediately concerning in the context of COPD. It is important to monitor, but it is not the most critical finding.

Choice A rationale
Elevated serum levels of troponin indicate cardiac cellular injury or death. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged, such as during a myocardial infarction.
Choice B rationale
Sustained glycogenolysis does not cause elevated troponin levels. Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, primarily occurring in the liver and muscles, not related to troponin release.
Choice C rationale
Acute tubular necrosis does not elevate troponin levels. This condition affects the renal tubules and is typically indicated by elevated creatinine and BUN levels.
Choice D rationale
Troponin is not an acute phase reactant. Acute phase reactants are proteins whose levels change in response to inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), not troponin.