Question

The morning weight for a client with emphysema indicates that the client has gained 5 pounds in less than a week, even though his oral intake has been modest. The client's weight gain may reflect which associated complication of COPD?

a) Polycythemia
b) Cor pulmonale
c) Left ventricular failure
d) Compensated acidosis

Answer 1

The client's weight gain is likely indicative of cor pulmonale, a heart complication of COPD that causes fluid retention and weight gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rapid weight gain of 5 pounds in a client with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), despite modest oral intake, may indicate the development of cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale refers to the enlargement and strain on the right side of the heart, resulting from the increased resistance in the pulmonary arteries often associated with COPD. This cardiac complication can lead to fluid retention, manifesting as peripheral edema and sudden weight gain.

The lung changes seen in COPD, specifically the breakdown of alveoli, impair gas exchange and cause air to be trapped in the lungs, which may lead to pulmonary hypertension and the development of cor pulmonale. Treatment may include diuretics to remove excess fluid and other therapies to manage heart and lung function.