Question

A client is admitted for COPD. Which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?

A) Nausea and vomiting
B) Restlessness and confusion
C) Low-grade fever and cough
D) Irritating cough and liquefied sputum

Answer 1

Restlessness and confusion in a COPD patient would require immediate nurse's attention as it indicates potentially dangerous levels of hypoxemia and impending respiratory failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that would require the nurse's immediate attention in a client admitted for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) would be B) Restlessness and confusion. This could indicate hypoxemia (a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood) that can lead to life-threatening complications. Symptoms of COPD typically include shortness of breath and a phlegm-producing cough, and while all the symptoms listed warrant nursing care, restlessness and confusion stand out as being potentially emergent due to the impact on brain function. These symptoms suggest inadequate oxygenation, which can rapidly deteriorate patient status. Immediate assessment and intervention are critical to preventing further complications like respiratory failure.