The nurse is assessing the patient for early stage emphysema. What sign would the nurse look for?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking what specific sign a nurse should look for when assessing a patient in the early stages of emphysema. This requires knowledge of the symptoms associated with emphysema.
Answer
Dyspnea
The nurse should look for dyspnea as an early sign of emphysema.
Answer for screen readers
The nurse should look for dyspnea as an early sign of emphysema.
More Information
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a primary symptom of early-stage emphysema due to damage to the air sacs in the lungs.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing symptoms typical of later stages, like barrel chest, with early indicators.
Sources
- Pulmonary Emphysema - Johns Hopkins Medicine - hopkinsmedicine.org
- Emphysema - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
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