COPD

Question 1

Structural abnormalities

Answer 1

narrowing or airways
enlargement of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles with destruction of their walls- emphysema
expansion of the chest

Question 2

Physiological abnormalities

Answer 2

reduces rate of airflow to air sacs
greatest reduction in airflow- expiration
Dynamic hyperinflation

Question 3

Prior events

Answer 3

smoking, repeated chest infections, family history, exposure to dust in the workplace

Question 4

Experienced symptoms

Answer 4

dyspnoea
wheeze
phlegm (clear normally, coloured when infected)
cough

Question 5

signs

Answer 5

tachypnea
hyper-inflated chest
wheeze
breath sounds decreased in intensity
prolonged expiration

Question 6

Abnormal test results

Answer 6

Chest X-ray- hyperinflated lungs
Reduced FEV1
Hypoxia
Hypercapnoea

Question 7

Medical intervention

Answer 7

Antibiotics
Beta-2 receptor antagonists- bronchodilator therapy
antocholinergic bronchodilator therapy
long acting Beta-2 agonists - salmeterol
Inhaled sterois - budesonide
oral steroid (prednisolone) anti-inflammation therapy (for bad wheeze)
O2 therapy (low flow)