A patient with COPD is hospitalized for heart failure. The patient is weak and cannot cough, the nurse should watch closely for the development of:

Explanation

•Without the removal of secretions, atelectasis can form from mucus plugs and airway obstruction.

•Risk for pneumonia can increase when secretions are not cleared, but atelectasis is more likely.

•Pulmonary hypertension and pleural effusions are not caused by secretion build up.

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