Final answer:
The first step in selecting nursing interventions for a client with COPD and an ineffective breathing pattern should be to review the problem and etiology of the nursing diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a client admitted to the hospital with an acute episode of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where the nurse has made a diagnosis of Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to the inability to maintain adequate rate and depth of respirations, the first step in selecting nursing interventions should be to review the problem and etiology of the nursing diagnosis. This involves understanding the patient's current condition, including their hypoxemia, cough with phlegm, and difficulty performing activities due to shortness of breath. Effective interventions should aim at improving the patient's airflow, increasing oxygenation, and managing their symptoms. This step ensures that the selected interventions are aligned with the specific needs and complications of the patient.