The primary reason a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The primary reason a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often experienc-es fatigue and activity intolerance is related to:

1. The increased presence of surfactant that results in “sticky” alveoli
2. The presence of chronic infections in the lungs and bronchial tree
3. The extra energy that is needed to exhale the air from the damaged lungs
4. The client’s elevated anxiety level related to the air hunger being experienced

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Clients with advanced COPD lose the elastic recoil of the lungs and thorax. As a result, the cli-ent’s work of breathing increases. Although the remaining options are not incorrect, they are not the primary source of the client’s fatigue.