The nurse is admitting a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the hospital. Which of the following positions should the nurse place the client in to improve gas exchange?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients with COPD improve the mechanics of breathing by sitting up in the "tripod" position. Resting in bed with the head elevated would be an alternative position if the client was confined to bed, but sitting in a chair allows better ventilation. The Trendelenburg position or sitting upright in bed with the knees flexed would decrease the client's ability to ventilate well.

The Nurse Is Admitting a Client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary