A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents to the clinic with increased cough and low-grade temperature. Which question by the nurse elicits the most useful information?
a. "How long have you been sick?"
b. "Has your sputum changed color?"
c. "Is anyone else in your house sick?"
d. "Do you take any medications?"
B
Clients with COPD usually have a productive cough. If the color has changed, that is a notewor-thy finding. If the client's sputum is yellow or green, this may indicate a pulmonary infection. The other questions are also appropriate to ask but will not help in gathering information specific to a pulmonary problem.
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