Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Correct answer: A - Barrel-shaped chest
Rationale: In COPD, air trapping leads to increased lung volume, causing the chest to appear barrel-shaped. This is due to hyperinflation of the lungs. The other options are not typical findings in COPD. B: COPD often presents with an increased respiratory rate. C: COPD patients usually have purulent sputum. D: COPD patients often have decreased oxygen saturation due to impaired gas exchange.
Rationale: In COPD, air trapping leads to increased lung volume, causing the chest to appear barrel-shaped. This is due to hyperinflation of the lungs. The other options are not typical findings in COPD. B: COPD often presents with an increased respiratory rate. C: COPD patients usually have purulent sputum. D: COPD patients often have decreased oxygen saturation due to impaired gas exchange.