The client has a 20-year history of asthma with chronic hypoxia. ...

[bcretired]

The client has a 20-year history of asthma with chronic hypoxia. Which change in the client's fingers would the nurse expect?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The client is experiencing severe shortness of breath, but is not cyanotic. What lab value would the nurse review in an attempt to understand this phenomenon?
 
  1. Blood sugar
  2. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
  3. Cardiac enzymes
  4. Serum electrolytes

[TDubDCFL]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: Clubbing
Rationale : Clubbing is the increase in the angle between the nail and the base of the nail to more than 180 degrees. The base of the nail becomes swollen and the ends of the fingers increase in size. Clubbing is a classic sign of chronic hypoxia.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Blood sugar is not used to evaluate respiratory function.
Rationale 2: In order to exhibit cyanosis, the client's blood must contain about 5 g or more of unoxygenated hemoglobin per 100 mL of blood and the surface blood capillaries must be dilated. Severe anemia will interfere with the development of cyanosis, so the nurse should review the hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Rationale 3: Cardiac enzymes are not used to evaluate respiratory function.
Rationale 4: Serum electrolytes are not used to evaluation respiratory function.

[bcretired]

Thank you!

[TDubDCFL]

Always glad to help...