Question

A nurse is teaching a client about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which information should the nurse include ___________.

1) COPD exacerbations cause shortness of breath and increased sputum production.
2) After a flare-up, the lung tissue returns to normal.
3) COPD is a respiratory disorder that has components of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
4) COPD is a curable disease.
5) Intermittent flare-ups of the symptoms are expected.

Answer 1

The nurse should include information about COPD exacerbations, the components of COPD, and intermittent flare-ups of symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

In teaching a client about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the nurse should include several important pieces of information:

1. COPD exacerbations cause shortness of breath and increased sputum production. Exacerbations are flare-ups of symptoms, which can include increased difficulty breathing and coughing up more sputum.
2. COPD is a respiratory disorder that has components of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis refers to the symptoms of COPD, while emphysema relates to the lung changes that occur with the disease.
3. Intermittent flare-ups of symptoms are expected. COPD is a chronic condition, and while symptoms can be managed, they may still occur periodically.