A Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD )

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) arrives in the emergency department complaining of shortness of breath and dyspnea. Which assessment finding by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?

A) The patient has bibasilar lung crackles.
B) The patient is sitting in the tripod position.
C) The patient's respiratory rate has decreased from 30 to 10 breaths/min.
D) The patient's pulse oximetry indicates an O₂ saturation of 91%.

Correct Answer: Login to unlock the answer