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What indicates that a client's COPD treatment for AIDS-related pneumonia is effective?

  1. Elevation of the head of the bed is required to sleep

  2. Adventitious lung sounds

  3. Decrease in exertional dyspnea

  4. Respiratory rate of 26/min while sitting

The correct answer is: Decrease in exertional dyspnea

A decrease in exertional dyspnea signifies that the client's COPD treatment for AIDS-related pneumonia is effective. Exertional dyspnea refers to difficulty in breathing during physical activity, and improvement in this symptom indicates that the lungs are functioning better and that the treatment is positively impacting the respiratory system. In the context of AIDS-related pneumonia, effective treatment should lead to enhanced oxygenation and reduced inflammation in the lungs, resulting in less effort required to breathe during exertion. This improvement is crucial as exertional dyspnea can severely impact a person's quality of life and mobility, making it an essential indicator of recovery or stability in chronic respiratory conditions like COPD. Other options, such as requiring elevation of the bed to sleep or experiencing adventitious lung sounds, suggest ongoing issues with respiratory function. A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute, while elevated, can indicate distress rather than an improvement in clinical status. Thus, only a decrease in exertional dyspnea reflects effective management of the client's condition.