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Introduction to Care of Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Introduction to Care of Patients with Chronic Illnesses ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding would indicate a potential complication of the disease?
This is a common finding in clients with COPD, as the disease causes hyperinflation of the lungs and increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. It is not a sign of a complication, but rather a chronic adaptation to the disease.
This is a possible finding in clients with COPD, as the disease causes chronic hypoxia and stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, leading to thickening and widening of the distal phalanges. It is not a sign of a complication, but rather a long-term effect of the disease.
Rationale: Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds is a sign of hypoxemia, which indicates inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This is a potential complication of COPD, as the disease causes airflow obstruction and impaired gas exchange. Cyanosis requires immediate intervention to improve oxygen delivery and prevent tissue damage.
This is an expected finding in clients with COPD, as the disease causes narrowing of the airways and increased airway resistance. It is not a sign of a complication, but rather a characteristic manifestation of the
Cyanosis of the lips and nail beds is a sign of hypoxemia, which indicates inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This is a potential complication of COPD, as the disease causes airflow obstruction and impaired gas exchange. Cyanosis requires immediate intervention to improve oxygen delivery and prevent tissue damage.
Incorrect options:
A) Barrel-shaped chest - This is a common finding in clients with COPD, as the disease causes hyperinflation of the lungs and increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. It is not a sign of a complication, but rather a chronic adaptation to the disease.
B) Clubbing of the fingers - This is a possible finding in clients with COPD, as the disease causes chronic hypoxia and stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, leading to thickening and widening of the distal phalanges. It is not a sign of a complication, but rather a long-term effect of the disease.
D) Wheezes on auscultation - This is an expected finding in clients with COPD, as the disease causes narrowing of the airways and increased airway resistance. It is not a sign of a complication, but rather a characteristic manifestation of the disease.