Acute COPD- Patho and Causes of Exacerbation, Symptoms

Question 1

Acute COPD: patho

Answer 1

Increased airway inflammation
Increased mucus production
Marked gas trapping
Increased eosinophils in significant numbers of patients

Question 2

Acute COPD: acid-base stuff

Answer 2

Patients with long-standing COPD retain CO2 chronically, and retention leads to increased dissociation of carbonic acid to H+ and HCO3- and chronic respiratory acidosis

Question 3

COPD patients’ drive to breathe

Answer 3

Hypoxia

Question 4

Over-oxygenation in a COPD patient can lead to what?

Answer 4

Respiratory depression

Question 5

Goal O2 sat in a COPD patient

Answer 5

88-92%

Question 6

Number 1 cause of COPD exacerbation

Answer 6

Viral (rhinovirus)

Question 7

Number 2 cause of COPD exacerbation

Answer 7

Bacterial

Question 8

Number 3 cause of COPD exacerbation

Answer 8

Environment (pollution, ambient temperature, fine particulate matter exposure)

Question 9

Rare cause of COPD exacerbation

Answer 9

Fungal causes (Aspergillus)

Question 10

Symptoms of COPD exacerbation

Answer 10

Increased dyspnea, increased sputum purulence and volume, increased cough and wheeze

Question 11

Cardinal symptoms of COPD exacerbation

Answer 11

Increased dyspnea, sputum volume, purulence

Question 12

The cardinal symptoms will determine what?

Answer 12

If ABX are going to be needed

Question 13

What should you rule out for acute COPD exacerbation

Answer 13

If it’s actually pneumonia, HF, PE, arrhythmias, pneumothorax