COPD Flashcards
what is the leading cause of emphysema and chronic bronchitis?
smoking
what is COPD?
a collection of conditions that cause breathing problems and obstruct airflow. Usually included are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
risk factors for COPD
smoking, vaping, use of e-cigs, environment and occupation pollutants, toxic substances
signs of COPD
deacreased lung sounds, increased anterior to posterior chest size, clubbing of the nails, use of accessory muscles, pursed lip breathing, wheezing
symptoms of COPD
chronic cough, shortness of breath, excessive mucus production, easily fatigued, frequent resp. infections, orthopnea (difficulty breathing lying flat)
pathophysiology of emphysema
destruction of alveolar walls, loss of elasticity, impaired expiration, barrel chest, hyperinflation
pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis
increased mucous glands and secretion, inflammation, infection, obstruction
diagnostics for COPD
spirometry, chest radiograph, oxygen saturation, blood tests, ABG’s
complications of COPD
upper resp. infections, pneumonia, pneumothorax, confusion, fatigue, dependent edema, arrythmias
what are some of the pathophysiologic changes that occur in someone with COPD
low oxygen levels to the body tissue, high pressure in the pulmonary artery, inability to clear mucous from lower airways
treatment for COPD
Medications: steroids, antimuscarinics, expectorants, anticholinergics, beta-agonists
oxygen
pulmonary rehab
prevention for COPD
avoiding smoke and pollution, regular exercise, treatment, and vaccinations
what is pneumothorax?
high pressure in the chest
what is dependent edema?
high pressure in the right ventricle
