RN Nursing · Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease · Practice question
Pneumothorax is a possible complication of COPD. Symptoms will depend on the suddenness of the back and the size of the air leak. The most common, immediate symptom that should be assessed is:
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Sharp, stabbing pain
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✓
Dyspnea
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A dry, hacking cough
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Tachycardia
Answer & explanation
Correct: Dyspnea
Pneumothorax, a recognized complication of COPD related to the rupture of hyperinflated alveoli or bullae, presents with symptoms that vary by onset speed and size of air leak. Dyspnea is the most common and immediate symptom because the collapsed lung reduces the functional area available for gas exchange, causing the client to experience significant air hunger almost instantly regardless of the size of the pneumothorax. This makes dyspnea the priority assessment finding. Sharp, stabbing chest pain is also a frequent symptom and is often the complaint that brings the client to attention, but in many patients — particularly those with COPD who have chronic chest discomfort — pain may be less prominent or mistaken for an exacerbation. A dry, hacking cough may occur but is neither the most common nor the most immediate sign. Tachycardia is a compensatory response that develops secondary to hypoxia and respiratory distress; it appears after dyspnea is already established. Therefore, dyspnea represents the first and most universally present symptom the nurse should assess when pneumothorax is suspected in a COPD client.
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