DEBBIE O CONNOR COPD SHADOW
HEALTH STUDY GUIDE 2026
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW AND
DETAILED ANSWERS VERIFIED
◉ The nurse is caring for a patient with new-onset chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Which assessment findings would be
expected? Answer: Persistent cough
Persistent cough is a symptom of chronic bronchitis.
Increased red blood cell (RBC) count
An increased number of RBCs is indicative of polycythemia, which
occurs as a result of hypoxemia in patients with COPD.
Weight loss of 10 lb in 1 month
Unexplained weight loss occurs in patients with COPD as a result of an
increase in energy expenditure.
◉ Which nursing assessment findings would indicate that the patient has
severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Answer:
Oxygen saturation of 82%
An oxygen saturation of 82% is hypoxemia, a sign of advanced COPD.
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 39%
, An FEV1 between 30% and 49% indicates severe COPD.
◉ Which intervention is the priority for Mr. Sanchez to inhibit
progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Answer:
Encouraging smoking cessation
Smoking causes damage to lung tissue, which can lead to progression of
COPD. The nurse should focus on supporting Mr. Sanchez through
smoking cessation.
◉ Mr. Sanchez reports thick sputum production with cough and
difficulty breathing, which interferes with daily activities and sleep at
night. Which collaborative care interventions would address the excess
sputum production? Answer: Postural drainage
Postural drainage is the use of positioning techniques that drain
secretions from specific segments of the lungs and bronchi into the
trachea.
Chest wall oscillation therapy
Chest wall oscillation generates a high-frequency pulse that vibrates the
chest wall to mobilize secretions and clear the airway.
HEALTH STUDY GUIDE 2026
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW AND
DETAILED ANSWERS VERIFIED
◉ The nurse is caring for a patient with new-onset chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Which assessment findings would be
expected? Answer: Persistent cough
Persistent cough is a symptom of chronic bronchitis.
Increased red blood cell (RBC) count
An increased number of RBCs is indicative of polycythemia, which
occurs as a result of hypoxemia in patients with COPD.
Weight loss of 10 lb in 1 month
Unexplained weight loss occurs in patients with COPD as a result of an
increase in energy expenditure.
◉ Which nursing assessment findings would indicate that the patient has
severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Answer:
Oxygen saturation of 82%
An oxygen saturation of 82% is hypoxemia, a sign of advanced COPD.
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 39%
, An FEV1 between 30% and 49% indicates severe COPD.
◉ Which intervention is the priority for Mr. Sanchez to inhibit
progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Answer:
Encouraging smoking cessation
Smoking causes damage to lung tissue, which can lead to progression of
COPD. The nurse should focus on supporting Mr. Sanchez through
smoking cessation.
◉ Mr. Sanchez reports thick sputum production with cough and
difficulty breathing, which interferes with daily activities and sleep at
night. Which collaborative care interventions would address the excess
sputum production? Answer: Postural drainage
Postural drainage is the use of positioning techniques that drain
secretions from specific segments of the lungs and bronchi into the
trachea.
Chest wall oscillation therapy
Chest wall oscillation generates a high-frequency pulse that vibrates the
chest wall to mobilize secretions and clear the airway.
