The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with COPD, who is having difficulty breathing. Which actions can the nurse take to provide support? Select all that apply

B. Beta-blocking medications, such as propranolol and metoprolol, can worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals by constricting the airways. Patients with asthma should avoid or use caution with beta-blockers, especially non-selective ones, as they can trigger or exacerbate asthma attacks.
C. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a well-established trigger for asthma symptoms and can exacerbate respiratory inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Patients with asthma should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke whenever possible to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.
D. Carpeting and drapes can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Patients with asthma may benefit from removing carpeting and minimizing soft furnishings in the bedroom to reduce exposure to allergens and improve air quality.
E. Pets, particularly those with fur or feathers, can be potent allergens for individuals with asthma. Patients with asthma should consider removing pets from the home or at least keeping them out of the bedroom to minimize exposure to pet dander.
A. Cardiovascular exercise can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals but it is not typically recommended to eliminate exercise altogether. Instead, patients with asthma should be encouraged to engage in physical activities that are well-tolerated and to use appropriate preventive measures, such as pre-exercise bronchodilator therapy and warm-up exercises, to minimize symptoms.

A. Diminished breath sounds can occur in emphysema due to decreased air movement through damaged and enlarged air sacs (alveoli). The destruction of alveolar walls reduces the surface area available for gas exchange and can result in decreased breath sounds.
C. Patients with emphysema may use accessory muscles, such as neck and shoulder muscles, to assist with breathing during periods of respiratory distress. These muscles are recruited to help increase the size of the thoracic cavity and improve airflow.
E. A barrel-shaped chest is a common physical finding in patients with emphysema. It results from hyperinflation of the lungs and is characterized by an increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest. This change in chest shape is due to air trapping in the lungs, leading to overinflation of the alveoli and increased residual volume.
B. Ruddy skin color, which refers to a reddish or flushed complexion, is not typically associated with emphysema. Instead, patients with emphysema may exhibit cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) during periods of hypoxemia (low oxygen levels).
D. Excess mucus production (mucus hypersecretion) is a characteristic feature of chronic bronchitis, which is often present alongside emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but it is not typically a primary feature of emphysema itself.