COPD manifestations by system

NCLEX-RN
Reduction of Risk Potential
Drag and drop
Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

An adult with COPD describes several changes during a clinic review. Sort each manifestation by the body system it primarily represents.

Respiratory

Ongoing cough
Frequent respiratory infections

Musculoskeletal

Reduced muscle strength
Muscle wasting

Neurological

New confusion when oxygen is low
Altered consciousness when carbon dioxide is high

Answer

Respiratory: Ongoing cough; Frequent respiratory infections · Musculoskeletal: Reduced muscle strength; Muscle wasting · Neurological: New confusion when oxygen is low; Altered consciousness when carbon dioxide is high

Rationale

COPD can affect more than breathing. A change in mental status in the setting of impaired gas exchange is a neurological finding and requires clinical attention.

RememberClassify COPD manifestations across systems, not only the lungs.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Adapted from Open RN Health Alterations: Chapter 6 Respiratory Alterations Open RN (Chippewa Valley Technical College) · License: CC BY 4.0 · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · COPD › Assessment · 2024

Last verified: November 4, 2026 2 independent automated checks Question rn-rrp-02527, version 1

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