Your new patient has a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition to heart rate and blood pressure, which vital sign measurement would generally be the most meaningful in this patient?

Question

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In a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the primary issue is related to their ability to breathe due to a narrowing of their airways. This can lead to hypoxia and hypercarbia. Therefore, monitoring the patient's respiratory rate would be the most meaningful vital sign because it provides information about their oxygenation status and potential respiratory distress. The other vital signs listed may be important to assess overall clinical status but do not provide specific information on the patient's respiratory function.

Your New Patient Has a Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary