A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)arrives in the emergency department complaining of shortness of breath and dyspnea on minimal exertion. Which assessment finding by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A drop in respiratory rate in a patient with respiratory distress suggests the onset of fatigue and a high risk for respiratory arrest. Therefore immediate action such as positive-pressure ventilation is needed. Patients who are experiencing respiratory distress frequently sit in the tripod position because it decreases the work of breathing. Crackles in the lung bases may be the baseline for a patient with COPD. An O₂ saturation of 91% is common in patients with COPD and will provide adequate gas exchange and tissue oxygenation.

A Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)arrives in the Emergency