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Complications and Comorbidities in Chronic Illnesses
Complications and Comorbidities in Chronic Illnesses ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has developed cor pulmonale. Which assessment finding is most indicative of this complication?
This is a sign of chronic hypoxia, which may be present in clients with COPD, but does not necessarily indicate cor pulmonale.
Cor pulmonale is a condition in which the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, caused by chronic lung disease. This results in fluid retention and venous congestion, leading to distended neck veins and peripheral edema.
These are signs of airway obstruction and fluid accumulation in the lungs, which are common in clients with COPD, but do not directly reflect the status of the right heart.
This is a sign of poor oxygenation, which may occur in clients with COPD, but does not indicate the presence of cor pulmonale.
Cor pulmonale is a condition in which the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, caused by chronic lung disease. This results in fluid retention and venous congestion, leading to distended neck veins and peripheral edema.
Incorrect options:
A) Clubbing of the fingers and toes - This is a sign of chronic hypoxia, which may be present in clients with COPD, but does not necessarily indicate cor pulmonale.
C) Wheezes and crackles in the lung fields - These are signs of airway obstruction and fluid accumulation in the lungs, which are common in clients with COPD, but do not directly reflect the status of the right heart.
D) Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds - This is a sign of poor oxygenation, which may occur in clients with COPD, but does not indicate the presence of cor pulmonale.