COPD Flashcards
What are common obstructive lung diseases
Asthma
Emphysema also known as COPD
Chronic bronchitis
In COPD/Emphysema airflow limitation is not fully what
Reversible
COPD is a generally ___ disease
Progressive
COPD/Emphysema is an
Abnormal inflammatory response of lungs to noxious particles or gases
COPD/emphysema symps occur in the what adult years
Middle adult years
COPD/emphysema incidence increase with ___
Age
What is COPD often used to describe in the medical field
Emphysema
A person with emphysema retain
Co2
How will an emphysema pt look (skin, breathing)
Co2 retention causes pink skin
Minimal cyanosis
Purse lip breathing
Dyspnea
Hyper resonance on chest percussion
Orthopneic
Barrel chest
Exertional dyspnea
Prolonged expiratory time
Speaks in short jerky sentences
Anxious
Uses of accessory muscles to breathe
Thin appearance
What are s/s of emphysema
Tachypnea
Dyspnea on exertion
Barrel chest
Prolonged expiration and grunting
Decreased breath sounds
Hyper resonance
Clubbing of fingers and toes
Decrease chest expansion
Chronic cough w/ or w/out sputum production
Accessory muscle use
Mental status change
Is emphysema damage reversible
No, it’s irreversible
What are the risk factors for emphysema
Cigarette smoking
Occupational chemicals and dust
Air pollution
Infection
Heredity
Aging
Genetics
How is an Emphysema pt officially diagnosed
Spirometry
What does a spirometry test show
Shows how well you breathe in and out
What other diagnosing test can diagnose emphysema besides spirometry testing
Chest x-ray
Pulmonary function test
ABG
CBC
EKG
What is treatment for emphysema
Avoidance of smoke and air pollution
bronchodilators
Antibiotics
Flu vaccine
Pneumonia vaccine
Adequate hydration
Oxygen therapy for hypoxia
Mucolytics
Corticosteroids
Lung transplant
Diuretics for edema
How does pursed lip breathing look
2 count in and 4 count out
What should we teach our pts that have Emphysema
Instruct them to stop smoking or being around those that smoke
Importance of early medical treatment at the first signs of illness
May have to sleep semi-Fowler s
Instruct on the importance of oxygen if prescribed
What should discharge planning should we consider for a pt with emphysema/COPD
Pulmonary rehab
Psychosocial consideration
Use bronchodilator first before other med
CM for O2, meds, home health
Stress importance of flu & pneumonia vaccine
What are s/s of chronic bronchitis
Copious amnts of gray, white, or yellow sputum
Dyspnea & Tachypnea
Cyanosis
Use of accessory muscle
Pedal edema
Jugular vein distention
Wt gain due to edema
Wt loss due to difficulty eating & increased metabolic rate
Wheezing
Prolong expiratory time
Rhonic
Pulmonary hypertension
What are risk factors for chronic bronchitis
Cigarette smoking
Exposure to irritants
Exposure to organic or inorganic dust
Exposures to noxious gases
Respiratory tract infection
How do we diagnose chronic bronchitis
Presence of cough & sputum production for @ least 3 months for 2 consecutive years
What are lab tests we can do to diagnose chronic bronchitis
CXR
PFTS
ABGs
Sputum
EKG
CBC
What is the treatment of chronic bronchitis
Cease smoking
Avoidance of air pollutants
Antibiotics
Bronchodilators
Adequate hydration
Chest physiotherapy
Nebulizer treatment
Corticosteroids
diuretics
O2 therapy
What should we teach our pts with chronic bronchitis
Instruct benefits of not smoking/being exposed to secondhand smoke
Importance of early med treatment @ first sign of illness
May have to sleep semi-Fowler s
Instruct importance of prescribed o2
What should we do with discharge planning for chronic bronchitis
Same as emphysema
How do we teach a pt to use inhaler
Shake
Exhale
Press button and inhale
Hold breathe for as long as able
Then exhale
If taking bronchodilator inhaler or any inhaler first then wait 1 min between taking med to take the next inhaler
What is a really well known short actingbronchodilator
Albuterol
How often should a pt take a short acting bronchodilator
2 inhalations every 4 hours PRN
What are adverse affects of bronchodilators
Tachypnea
Palpitations
Chest pain
Tremors
HA
Dizziness
Nervousness
Report s/s of hypokalemia/a fib
Call dr if you require more frequent use of med
What are anticholinergic names
Iratropium bromide
atrovent
Are anticholinergic long or short acting bronchodilators
Long
What is methylanthie
A bronchodilator
What are glucocorticoids
An anti-inflammatory
What should we teach a pt taking a glucocorticoid inhaler
Rinse mouth with water after taking inhaler
Why do they need to rise mouth out if taking glucocorticoid
To avoid a fungal infection (thrush)
What is prednisone
It’s an oral steroid, immunosuppressant and anti inflammatory
What should we take prednisone with
Food
Why should we take prednisone with food
To avoid gi upset
Should a pt stop taking prednisone abruptly
No
Do we want to put pts on prednisone for immediate treatment
No, because there’s many side effects to prednisone
What are adverse reactions to prednisone
HTN
Osteoporosis
Mood disturbances
Poor wound healing
Monitor b/p
Monitor bs
Avoid live vaccine
Avoid contact w/ chickenpox or measles
Watch for peptic ulcer disease
Anxiety
Depression
Fluid retention
What do leukotriene agonists help with
Respiratory inflammation
What do leukotriene agonists prevent
Prevent airway edema
What should we monitor when a pt is on leukotriene agonists
Monitor LFTs and blood chemistry
What are adverse effects of leukotriene agonists
Mood disorders
Cough
Why do we need to teach pt to take leukotriene agonists to take the drug at night
Because drug may cause aggressive behavior
