Assignment task:
68 y/o male with a history of COPD presents to the ED complaining of dyspnea and chest tightness. He has a 40-year pack-a-day history but stopped smoking eight years ago when he was first diagnosed with COPD. He states he has had a productive cough for the last few days.
Your assessment reveals the following:
- Rhonchi in B/L lower lungs
- Expiratory wheezing in all lung fields
- +2 pitting edema in lower extremities
Vitals are as follows:
Vitals
Temp: 100.8
BP: 168/88
HR: 98
RR: 28
Q1. What complication(s) of COPD has this client developed?
Q2. What diagnostic studies do you anticipate for this client?
Q3. What treatment(s) do you anticipate being ordered?
Q4. What are your top nursing diagnoses for this client? List at least 3.
Q5. What are some important teaching points for this client prior to discharge?