Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has been diagnosed with emphysema after many years of smoking tobacco. Which clinical manifestation(s) is/are consequences of the destruction of alveoli? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
C,D,E,F
Rationale
Alveolar destruction in emphysema reduces elastic recoil and gas exchange surface area, causing air trapping, prolonged expiration, barrel chest (increased AP diameter), dyspnea, and cyanosis from hypoxemia. Chronic hypoventilation is not typical (patients often hyperventilate to compensate), and dementia is unrelated.