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A patient presents with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough. An appropriate nursing diagnosis would be:
- A. Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions.
- B. Ineffective airway clearance related to dry, hacking cough.
- C. Ineffective individual coping with COPD.
- D. Pain related to immobilization of affected leg.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough all point towards a potential airway clearance issue. This makes option A, 'Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions,' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. It directly addresses the thick secretions and suggests a potential cause of the breathing difficulty the patient is experiencing.
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- A. Complain to her fellow nurses
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Correct Answer: C
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Correct Answer: D
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- C. Orthopnea
- D. Hyperventilation
Correct Answer: C
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