Question

Nurse Rachel is caring for a client hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on assessment of this client?

1) Hypocapnia
2) A hyperinflated chest noted on the chest x-ray
3) Increased oxygen saturation with exercise
4) A widened diaphragm noted on the chest x-ray

Answer 1

In assessing a client with acute exacerbation of COPD, Nurse Rachel would expect to see a hyperinflated chest on the chest x-ray and possibly a widened diaphragm, indicative of the disease's impact on lung function.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nurse Rachel, who is caring for a client with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), would expect to note several specific findings on assessment. Among the correct options, a hyperinflated chest noted on a chest x-ray is a characteristic feature of COPD exacerbation. This observation is due to air trapping and the loss of elastic recoil in the alveoli, resulting in overdistension of the air spaces. A widened diaphragm on chest x-ray could also be noted, because of the flattening of the diaphragm due to overinflation of the lungs. Hypocapnia (option 1) is unlikely as COPD commonly results in hypercapnia due to inadequate gas exchange. Increased oxygen saturation with exercise (option 3) is also not expected; typically, oxygen saturation may decrease with exercise due to the compromised lung function.