Nokea
During an admission assessment of a client with COPD and emphysema complaining of a frequent productive cough and shortness of breath, what assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. In COPD and emphysema, the lungs lose their elasticity, causing the chest to become barrel-shaped with an increased anteroposterior diameter. This occurs due to hyperinflation of the lungs. This finding is known as "barrel chest" and is a classic sign of advanced COPD.
A: Respiratory alkalosis is not typically associated with COPD and emphysema.
C: An oxygen saturation level of 96% is within the normal range and does not specifically relate to the assessment findings in COPD and emphysema.
D: Petechiae on the chest are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema; they may be indicative of other conditions such as bleeding disorders.