Question

The patient with COPD tells the nursing assistant that he did not get his annual flu shot this year and has not had a pneumonia vaccination. You would be sure to instruct the nursing assistant to report which of these?

a) Blood pressure of 152/84 mm Hg

b) Respiratory rate of 27 breaths/min

c) Heart rate of 92 beats/min

d) Oral temperature of 101.2 F (38.4C)

Answer 1

The nursing assistant should be instructed to report the oral temperature of 101.2 F (38.4C), as it can indicate a worsening of the patient's COPD and their increased risk of developing complications from respiratory infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing assistant should be instructed to report the oral temperature of 101.2 F (38.4C). This is because a fever is one of the common symptoms of pneumonia, and in a patient with COPD, it can indicate a worsening of their condition. Additionally, the fact that the patient has not received their annual flu shot and pneumonia vaccination further increases their risk of developing complications from these respiratory infections.