Question

The nurse is assessing a client who has chronic bronchitis. Which symptom should the nurse expect to​ find? (Select all that​ apply.)

a. Distended neck veins
b. Barrel chest
c. Wheezing
d. Diminished breath sounds
e. Cough with sputum production

Answer 1

Cough with sputum production, wheezing, and diminished breath sounds are expected findings when assessing a client with chronic bronchitis. Symptoms like distended neck veins and barrel chest may occur in related respiratory conditions but are not primary indications of chronic bronchitis itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is assessing a client who has chronic bronchitis. In such cases, the nurse should expect to find specific symptoms associated with the condition due to the inflammation and mucus build-up in the bronchial tubes. The following symptoms are commonly observed:

• Cough with sputum production: A persistent cough that produces mucus is a hallmark sign of chronic bronchitis.
• Wheezing: Due to the narrowing of the airways, wheezing sounds may be heard as the patient breathes.
• Diminished breath sounds: Congestion in the bronchial tubes may lead to reduced breath sounds when listening with a stethoscope.

While distended neck veins and barrel chest are associated with respiratory issues, they are more common in conditions such as heart failure and emphysema respectively. Chronic bronchitis can lead to emphysema over time, and in such cases, a barrel chest may develop due to air trapped in the lungs. However, the primary symptoms to look for initially would be the cough with sputum production, wheezing, and diminished breath sounds as key indicators of chronic bronchitis.