The nurse is caring for a client with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse anticipates which laboratory results for this client?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  The nurse anticipates which laboratory results for this client?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c9d1_c047_b433_43802a1dd6b9_MD0009_00 The client with severe COPD will have a chronically low oxygen level, hypoxemia. To compensate, the body produces more red blood cells (RBCs) to carry needed oxygen to the cells. A high RBC count is called polycythemia. (Option A) Anemia is not expected and will worsen symptoms of COPD. (Option B) Neutropenia (low white blood cell count) is not expected in COPD. Chemotherapy and many medications (clozapine [antipsychotic], methimazole [antithyroid]) can cause neutropenia which increases the risk of infection. (Option D) Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is not anticipated in COPD. Alcohol use, HIV infection, and many medications (heparin) can cause thrombocytopenia. Educational objective: Polycythemia, an increase in RBCs, is an anticipated compensatory response to chronically low blood oxygen levels in clients with severe COPD.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Severe Chronic