Question

M.B. is a 65-year-old male who is being admitted from the emergency department to the cardiopulmonary unit with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). M.B. has been using ipratropium (Atrovent) and albuterol (Proventil) metered-dose inhaler for control of his symptoms. His admission vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 158/86 mm Hg, heart rate 118 beat/min, respiratory rate 36 breaths/min, temperature 101.4° F (38.4° C), and SaO2 85%. He is 5 ft 10 in tall, weighs 180 lb, and has a marked barrel chest.

What classic manifestations indicate the patient had a COPD exacerbation?

Answer 1

The classic manifestations of a COPD exacerbation in patient M.B. include a marked barrel chest, elevated respiratory and heart rates, low blood oxygen saturation, and increased temperature, indicating likely acute inflammation or infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The classic manifestations that indicate M.B. had a COPD exacerbation include the presence of a marked barrel chest, a high respiratory rate at 36 breaths per minute, a low blood oxygen saturation (SaO2 85%), a rapid heart rate of 118 beats per minute, and an elevated temperature of 101.4° F (38.4° C). The barrel chest is characteristic of emphysematous changes in COPD, suggesting hyperinflation of the lungs. The tachypnea (increased respiratory rate), tachycardia (increased heart rate), hypoxemia (low SaO2), and fever all suggest an acute exacerbation, likely due to an underlying infection or other trigger that has worsened his COPD symptoms.