You are assessing a patient with acute exacerbation of COPD. What would you expect to find on this assessment?
A)Increased oxygen saturation
B)Hypocapnia
C)A hyperinflated chest on x-ray film
D)A widened diaphragm on chest x-ray film

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient with COPD in exacerbation would have a hyperinflated chest on x-ray film. Other signs and symptoms would include hypoxemia, hypercapnia, dyspnea and use of accessory muscles. The diaphragm would be flattened with this patient.

You Are Assessing a Patient with Acute Exacerbation of COPD