COPD

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?

Answer 1

SOBOE, chronic cough, fatigue, sputum production, increased chest infection risk, tripod positioning, clammy skin, dizziness

Question 2

What are some causes of COPD?

Answer 2

indoor and outdoor plants
smoking
genetics
dust and chemicals

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of COPD?

Answer 3

irritant causes inflammatory response
mucous removal impaired
chronic inflammation causes other substances to be releases damaging the lungs
cytokines released
leaking capillaries of protein rich fluid
increase mucous production
radial traction causes small airways to collapse trapping air and WOB
bronchoconstirction
decreases elasticity of airways
small alveoli become one large alveoli
surface area decreased impairing gas exchange
expiration is difficult due to loss of recoil

Question 4

What are some nursing interventions and the rationale for COPD?

Answer 4

Administer O2 as prescribed to reduce the risk of hypoxia
position upright to promote gas exchange and optimise lung expansion
encourage fluids to thin the secretions in the lungs
encourage pursed lip breathing