PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

A nurse is monitoring a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which symptom would indicate a worsening condition?

1. Increased respiratory rate.

2. Decreased breath sounds.

3. Difficulty in completing sentences.

4. All of the above.

The correct answer is: All of the above.

In the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), all listed symptoms indicate a worsening condition. An increased respiratory rate signifies that the body is struggling to maintain adequate oxygen levels or is responding to higher carbon dioxide levels. This can occur during exacerbations when the lung function deteriorates. Decreased breath sounds can indicate poor air movement in the lungs, which may arise due to obstructive airways, indicating that the disease is progressing and airflow is diminished. Difficulty in completing sentences suggests significant breathlessness, which is a common symptom during acute exacerbations or when the condition is worsening. This reflects the severity of the respiratory distress experienced by the patient. Therefore, identifying all these signs together points to a decline in the client's respiratory status and necessitates immediate nursing intervention. Monitoring these indicators is crucial for managing COPD effectively, emphasizing the importance of recognizing any deterioration in symptoms to provide appropriate care.