A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD. The patient's medication regimen has been recently changed and the nurse is assessing for therapeutic effect of a new bronchodilator
What assessment parameters suggest a consequent improvement in respiratory status? Select all that apply.
A) Negative sputum culture
B) Increased viscosity of lung secretions
C) Increased respiratory rate
D) Increased expiratory flow rate
E) Relief of dyspnea
Ans: D, E
Feedback:
The relief of bronchospasm is confirmed by measuring improvement in expiratory flow rates and volumes (the force of expiration, how long it takes to exhale, and the amount of air exhaled) as well as by assessing the dyspnea and making sure that it has lessened. Increased respiratory rate and viscosity of secretions would suggest a worsening of the patient's respiratory status. Bronchodilators would not have a direct result on the patient's infectious process.
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