Which of the following would the nurse assess in a patient with chronic deteriorating COPD?
1. high PVR
2. pleural effusion
3. left ventricular enlargement
4. low PVR
Correct
1
Rationale: Pulmonary vasoconstriction can be a result of hypercapnia, hypoxia, and acidosis, which are often seen in the deteriorating COPD patient. The pulmonary vasoconstriction causes elevations in PVR, which results in increased right ventricular workload. Over time, as a compensatory mechanism, the right ventricle begins to hypertrophy, and cor pulmonale becomes evident. Pleural effusion and left ventricular enlargement are not typically seen in a patient with chronic deteriorating COPD.
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A) Offering the possibility of anonymity B) Having high response rates C) Reducing the possibility of response set biases D) Being suitable for all types of respondents
While assessing a high-acuity patient, the nurse learns the patient has a history of arthritis. Which question would provide the most information regarding potential impact on the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance?
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