A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a prescription for chest physiotherapy (CPT) to help mobilize secretions. Following the therapy, which finding indicates to the nurse that the intervention was effective?

Choice A rationale The absence of coarse crackles is not necessarily an indication that chest physiotherapy (CPT) has been effective for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Coarse crackles are often heard in conditions where there is fluid in the airways, such as pneumonia or heart failure. While their absence might indicate that there is no fluid in the airways, it does not necessarily mean that secretions have been effectively mobilized. Choice B rationale An increase in breath sounds is a good indication that chest physiotherapy (CPT) has been effective for a client with COPD3. CPT is a group of therapies designed to improve respiratory efficiency, promote expansion of the lungs, strengthen respiratory muscles, and eliminate secretions from the respiratory system. When these secretions are effectively mobilized and removed, breath sounds can become clearer and more easily heard. Choice C rationale The absence of fine crackles is not necessarily an indication that CPT has been effective for a client with COPD. Fine crackles are often heard in conditions where there is fluid in the airways or alveoli, such as pneumonia or heart failure. While their absence might indicate that there is no fluid in the airways or alveoli, it does not necessarily mean that secretions have been effectively mobilized. Choice D rationale An increase in respiratory rate is not necessarily an indication that CPT has been effective for a client with COPD. In fact, an increased respiratory rate could indicate respiratory distress, which could suggest that the therapy has not been effective or that the client’s condition has worsened.