MEDizzy - A client is admitted for an exacerbation of emphysema. The

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Respiratory System

A client is admitted for an exacerbation of emphysema. The client has a fever, chills, and difficulty breathing on exertion. What is the priority nursing action based on the client’s history and present status?

ExplanationB. Fluids will replace fluid loss from fever and decrease viscosity of secretions. A. Capillary refill relates to peripheral tissue perfusion. C. There are no data to suggest that secretions are blocking the airway; there is no support that suctioning is needed. D. High concentrations of oxygen generally are not administered to clients with COPD; traditionally the reason given for this was clients with COPD become desensitized to carbon dioxide as a respiratory stimulus so that reduced oxygen levels act as the stimulus and high concentrations of oxygen levels may actually depress respirations. The newer theory suggests that the hypoxic drive is valid for a small number; the majority of cases involve the Haldane effect: as hemoglobin molecules become more saturated with oxygen, they are unable to transport carbon dioxide out of the body, leading to hypercapnia