A patient in acute respiratory failure as a complication of COPD has a PaCO₂ of 65 mm Hg, rhonchi audible in the right lung, and marked fatigue with a weak cough. The nurse will plan to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's assessment indicates that assisted coughing is needed to help remove secretions, which will improve PaCO₂ and will also help to correct fatigue. If the patient is allowed to rest, the PaCO₂ will increase. Humidification may help loosen secretions, but the weak cough effort will prevent the secretions from being cleared. The patient should be positioned with the good lung down to improve gas exchange.

A Patient in Acute Respiratory Failure as a Complication of COPD