The nurse observes a patient with COPD and sudden chest pain. What condition should the nurse expect?

In the context of a patient with COPD experiencing sudden chest pain, the observation of decreased chest excursion on one side is significant. This phenomenon can indicate several possible underlying issues, such as a pneumothorax or an exacerbation of the existing respiratory condition. In COPD patients, the presence of sudden chest pain may point to a complication like a pleural effusion or the rupture of a bleb, both of which can lead to asymmetric chest movements due to fluid buildup or air in the pleural space.

Decreased chest excursion suggests that the affected side of the chest is not expanding normally during respiration, which can contribute to further respiratory compromise. Monitoring chest lung expansion is crucial in managing a COPD patient with new symptoms, as it offers insights into their current respiratory status and guides further evaluation and treatment.

The other choices do not align with the expected findings in this scenario. For example, increased SaO2 levels would not typically be associated with chest pain or respiratory distress; instead, oxygen saturation may decrease due to compromised lung function. An increased respiratory rate could occur as a compensatory mechanism, but it is not as direct an indicator of the problem as the physical examination finding of decreased chest excursion. Lastly, a decreased risk of lung infection is generally contrary to