The nurse is caring for a patient with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who develops cor pulmonale. The nurse should monitor the patient for which expected finding if heart failure is present?

Tachypnea

Cyanosis

Peripheral edema

Hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Tachypnea is a common finding in patients with COPD due to respiratory distress, but it is not specifically associated with cor pulmonale or heart failure.

B. Cyanosis, or a bluish tint to the skin, is a sign of hypoxemia and may occur in COPD, but it is not a hallmark sign of cor pulmonale.

C. Peripheral edema is a key sign of right-sided heart failure, which is common in cor pulmonale. This occurs due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the extremities.

D. Hypertension may be present in patients with COPD, but it is not the most specific finding related to cor pulmonale. Peripheral edema is more directly associated with the right-sided heart failure seen in cor pulmonale.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Metabolic alkalosis is not typically associated with COPD. This condition is more commonly seen in situations involving excessive vomiting, diuretic use, or certain metabolic disorders.

B. Respiratory alkalosis is not expected in COPD. In COPD, the patient often retains carbon dioxide due to impaired gas exchange, leading to respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.

C. Respiratory acidosis is the most common acid-base imbalance in COPD. Due to the inability to effectively exhale carbon dioxide, patients with COPD often develop hypercapnia (elevated CO2 levels), leading to respiratory acidosis. This is particularly common during exacerbations when the patient is short of breath and unable to clear CO2 adequately.

D. Metabolic acidosis is not typically associated with COPD. While it can occur in certain conditions like renal failure or diabetic ketoacidosis, it is not a primary concern in COPD exacerbations. Respiratory acidosis is the more likely finding.

A. Pulmonary embolism B. Fat embolism syndrome C. Acute compartment syndrome D. Malignant hypothermia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and hypoxia, not localized edema in the calf.

B. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is associated with symptoms like respiratory distress, confusion, petechial rash, and hypoxemia, but not specifically with increasing edema in the calf.

C. Acute compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a muscle compartment leads to decreased blood flow, causing swelling, pain, and possible tissue damage. This is a medical emergency, and the increasing edema in the calf is a common sign of this condition.

D. Malignant hypothermia is a rare reaction to certain anesthetic agents, leading to symptoms like muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and tachycardia. It does not cause localized edema in the calf.

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The nurse is caring for a patient with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who develops cor pulmonale. The nurse should monitor the patient for which expected finding if heart failure is present?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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