Question

You are evaluating and assessing a client diagnosed with chronic emphysema. The client is on oxygen at a flow rate of 5L/min by nasal cannula. Which finding concerns you immediately? A. The client has fine bibasilar crackles. B. The client's respiratory rate is 8 breaths/minute. C. The client sits up and leans over the nightstand. D. The client has a large barrel chest.

Answer 1

You are evaluating and assessing a patient with a diagnosis of chronic emphysema. The patient is receiving oxygen at a flow rate of 5 L/min by nasal cannula. Which finding concerns you immediately?

1. Fine bibasilar crackles

2. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min

3. The patient sitting up and leaning over the nightstand

4. A large barrel chest

2. You are evaluating and assessing a patient with a diagnosis of chronic emphysema. The patient is receiving oxygen at a flow rate of 5 L/min by nasal cannula. Which finding concerns you immediately?

1. Fine bibasilar crackles

2. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min

3. The patient sitting up and leaning over the nightstand

4. A large barrel chest

Ans: 2. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min

For patients with chronic emphysema, the stimulus to breathe is a low serum oxygen level (the normal stimulus is a high carbon dioxide level). This patient's oxygen flow is too high and is causing a high serum oxygen level, which results in a decreased respiratory rate. If you do not intervene, the patient is at risk for respiratory arrest. Crackles, barrel chest, and assumption of a sitting position leaning over the nightstand are common in patients with chronic emphysema. Focus: Prioritization