Question

A client is admitted to the hospital with abrupt symptoms of increasing shortness of breath, fever, and a productive

cough with green sputum. Upon further exam the client is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) exacerbation. The nurse identifies this as which type of illness?
A) Acute
B) Chronic
C) Terminal
D) Contagious

Answer 1

The nurse identifies the illness as an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a chronic lung disease characterized by poor airflow. This type of illness is classified as chronic as it is a long-term condition that typically worsens over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse identifies the illness as an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by poor airflow and is often caused by smoking. An exacerbation refers to a sudden worsening of symptoms, such as increasing shortness of breath, fever, and productive cough with green sputum. This type of illness is classified as chronic as it is a long-term condition that typically worsens over time.