Question

An older adult patient reports difficulty "catching her breath," a dry cough in the mornings for several weeks, and thick yellow-green sputum which she reports is difficult to cough up. Associated clinical findings include an oxygen saturation level of 89?

1) Impaired older adult development (ICNP)
2) Impaired airway clearance (ICNP)
3) Effective respiratory system function (ICNP)
4) Aspiration (ICNP)

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms and clinical findings suggest Impaired airway clearance (ICNP) as the most appropriate diagnosis, which falls under the health subject for a college level.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's symptoms of difficulty "catching her breath," a dry cough in the mornings, production of thick yellow-green sputum, and a lowered oxygen saturation level of 89 suggest an issue with the respiratory system that may be impeding airway clearance. Considering the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) options provided, Impaired airway clearance (ICNP) would be the most appropriate diagnosis. Supporting this, the clinical findings of an oxygen saturation level below 90%, alongside the noted symptoms, could be indicative of a respiratory condition, such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where airway obstruction or inflammation is present.