Which findings would a nurse expect to assess in a client diagnosed with emphysema?

In a client diagnosed with emphysema, dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom due to the destruction of lung tissue, which obstructs airflow and impairs gas exchange. As emphysema progresses, the patient often experiences increased shortness of breath during exertion and may eventually have difficulty breathing even at rest. This is because the damaged alveoli can lead to reduced surface area for oxygen transfer and result in the retention of carbon dioxide, causing the sensation of breathlessness.

Other expected findings in emphysema may include a barrel chest, which is characterized by an increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest due to hyperinflation of the lungs. Additionally, while deep respirations could be observed in some cases – as patients may attempt to compensate for their breathing difficulties – this is not as definitive as dyspnea in describing the patient's experience with the condition. Bradycardia is not typically associated with emphysema; rather, the patient might experience tachycardia as a response to hypoxia or physical stress. Overall, dyspnea is an essential symptom directly related to the pathophysiological changes associated with emphysema and is a key finding that nurses would identify upon assessment.