Questions on Respiratory System Related

Review Questions on Respiratory System related questions and content

Nurse Reese is caring for a client hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on assessment of this client?

  • A. Hypocapnia
  • B. A hyperinflated chest noted on the chest x-ray.
  • C. Increased oxygen saturation with exercise.
  • D. A widened diaphragm noted on the chest x-ray.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A hyperinflated chest noted on the chest x-ray. In COPD, air trapping leads to hyperinflation of the lungs, causing the chest to appear hyperinflated on x-ray. This is due to the increased residual volume and decreased expiratory flow rates in COPD.

Incorrect choices:
A: Hypocapnia is unlikely in COPD as patients typically retain carbon dioxide due to impaired gas exchange.
C: Increased oxygen saturation with exercise is unlikely in COPD as these patients often have decreased oxygen saturation due to impaired gas exchange.
D: A widened diaphragm would not be a typical finding on chest x-ray in COPD; hyperinflated lungs are more characteristic.