A 74-year old female is admitted to the Emergency Room with…
A 74-year old female is admitted to the Emergency Room with increasing dyspnea, productive cough, and fatigue. Nurses’ Notes 1000: Client arrives in Emergency Department with worsening shortness of breath over the past week, strong productive cough with green-tinged sputum, and fatigue. Client has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -emphysema; has been using their “relief” inhaler at home with no relief of symptoms. Client lives independently at home and states they smoke approximately 1 pack of cigarettes per day. Ambulatory, alert and oriented x 4. Has coarse crackles auscultated in bilateral lower lung fields with a barrel chest appearance, using accessory muscles, expiratory wheeze on auscultation. Client states they have “less room” to take a deep breath. Clubbing noted in all digits bilaterally. Vital Signs Time 1000 Oral Temp 99.0 F (37.2C) Pulse 104 Respiratory Rate 27 Blood Pressure 157/86 Pulse oximeter 91% Room air Pain 0 Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?