Question

While assessing a new patient on the unit, the nurse notes productive cough, respiratory rate of 22, oxygen saturation of 90%, and increased secretions. the patient has a 20-year history of smoking 1.5 packs of cigarettes daily. what chronic condition might this patient have?

Answer 1

Your most likely looking at some form of COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is usually a common chronic illness that results smoking after a while due to mucus produced to keep smoke, a foreign substandard out of the aveoli, this then becomes a more serious problem when the body expands the aveoli to allow a greater surface are but instead increases the dead space. COPD is common in elderly who smoke.

COPD come in two forms, Emphysema which is a dry COPD, and Chronic Bronchitis which is wet and usually leaves a patient bedridden much of the time.

Judging by the description I'd say COPD or Chronic Bronchitis.