The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with emphysema. Which of the following will most likely be assessed during the client's physical examination?

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Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which causes the destruction of alveolar walls leading to decreased elasticity of the lung tissue. As a result, the client will be assessed with barrel chest, which is a common physical finding in emphysema clients. Pectus carinatum is a deformity in which the chest protrudes outward while pectus excavatum is a deformity in which the chest caves inward. Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine and is not typically associated with emphysema.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client Diagnosed with Emphysema