Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Care of the Patient With a Respiratory Disorder Cooper: Foundations and Adult Health Nursing, 9th Edition Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Care of the Patient With a Respiratory Disorder Cooper: Foundations and Adult Health Nursing, 9th Edition related questions and content

The older adult patient with long-term emphysema reports experiencing a sharp pleuritic pain after a severe period of coughing. The patient's heart rate and respiratory rate have increased. Auscultation reveals no breath sounds on the left side. These are signs and symptoms of which condition?

  • A. Pulmonary embolus
  • B. Spontaneous pneumothorax
  • C. Early signs of unilateral pneumonia
  • D. An attack of asthma
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Spontaneous pneumothorax can be caused by a ruptured bleb in a patient with long-term emphysema. The disorder causes chest pain, dyspnea, and anxiety associated with air hunger.