Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Full-length
An elderly client is admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulse oximetry is 84% on room air. The client is restless, has expiratory wheezing and a productive cough, and is using the accessory muscles to breathe. Which prescription should the nurse question?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Morphine (C) can depress respiration in COPD, worsening hypoxia, and should be questioned. Albuterol (A) relieves bronchospasm, methylprednisolone (B) reduces inflammation, and oxygen (D) addresses hypoxia, all appropriate for COPD exacerbation.