A patient is admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The nurses notes that the patient has difficulty getting breath out.Which phrase best describes the patient's breathing pattern?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Difficulty getting breath out is indicative of air trapping.Air trapping is described as a normal breathing pattern interspersed with forced expirations.As the patient breathes,air becomes trapped in the lungs,and ventilations become progressively shallower until the patient actively and forcefully exhales.

A Patient Is Admitted with an Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive