Mr. Vasquez 56-year-old client with a 40-year history of smoking one to two packs of cigarettes per day has a chronic cough producing thick sputum, peripheral edema, and cyanotic nail beds. Based on this information, he most likely has which of the following conditions?
A. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
B. Asthma
C. Chronic obstructive bronchitis
D. Emphysema
Correct Answer: C. Chronic obstructive bronchitis
Because of this extensive smoking history and symptoms, the client most likely has chronic obstructive bronchitis.
Option A: Clients with ARDS have acute symptoms of hypoxia and typically need large amounts of oxygen.
Option B: Clients with asthma do not exhibit a chronic cough. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and coughing or wheezing attacks.
Option D: Clients with emphysema tend not to have a chronic cough or peripheral edema. The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which usually begins gradually.