Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. The nurse should expect the client's chest to be which of the following shapes?

  • A. Pigeon
  • B. Funnel
  • C. Kyphotic
  • D. Barrel
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Barrel. In COPD, the chest becomes barrel-shaped due to hyperinflation of the lungs. This results in an increased anterior-posterior chest diameter, giving it a rounded appearance. This shape is characteristic of COPD as the hyperinflation causes the rib cage to remain partially expanded at all times.

A: Pigeon – This shape is not associated with COPD and is not a typical finding in respiratory conditions.
B: Funnel – This shape is not associated with COPD and is more commonly seen in conditions like pectus excavatum.
C: Kyphotic – This shape refers to an exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic spine, not the chest shape itself.