COPD Flashcards
COPD: what
chronic lung disease that causes limited airflow d/t prolonged exposure of harmful substances
COPD: patho
inflammatory response of the airways causes a decrease in the forced expiratory volume -> destruction of the alveolar air sac
COPD: causes (2)
*cigarette smoking
*secondhand exposure to hazardous environmental and occupational hazards
COPD: clinical manifestations (9)
*muscle wasting
*digital clubbing
*cyanosis
*barrel chest
*LE edema
*accessory muscle use
*prolonged expiration
*wheezing
*pursed-lip breathing
COPD: diagnostic studies (4)
*spirometry (pulmonary function test): tested b4 and after given bronchoD, 0.7 confirms dx
*labs: CBC and Alpha 1
*Imaging: CXR, CT
*Walking test: walk for 6 min at normal pace
COPD: long-term complications (5)
*acute exacerbation of COPD:
*wt loss
*Resp failure
*Pulmonary HTN
*chest infection or pneumonia
COPD: pt teaching (4)
*smoking cessation (avoid second-hand smoke)
*lower exposure to toxic chemicals: wear proper PPE
*pulmonary rehab
*regular vaccinations
*medication use: inhaler
s/s of COPD exacerbation (3 +main cause)
*acute change in pt’s normal dyspnea, cough, and/or sputum
*main cause: viral or bacterial infection and increase as the disease progresses
ways to improve gas exchange (7)
*smoking cessation
*bronchodilators
*supplemental O2 tailored to meet pt’s needs
*pursed lip breathing
*diaphragmatic (abd) breathing
*effective coughing
*chest pt
ABG monitoring (what for, early stages and late stages)
*alone are not diagnostic of COPD but help ID the severity of the exacerbation by assessing abnormalities in oxygenation and ventilation.
*in early stages may have normal or slightly decreased PaO2 and norm PaCO2
* late stages: low-norm pH, high-norm PaCO2, and high-norm of HCO3
6-minute walk test
*pulse o2 is taken when pt is walking and at rest
*if value of o2 sat is 88% or lower when at rest and the pt is breathing room air, they qualify for supplemental o2
