COPD Flashcards
What is COPD
- it is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis
- its main feature is increasing breathlessness
what are common presentations of COPD
- Chronic cough
- Tired
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Anorexia
- Violent coughing
- Sputum production
what are the risk factors of COPD
Smoking
Environment
Pollution
genetics
is COPD curable?
no - but it can be managed
what is chronic bronchitis?
- it is a chronic infection of the bronchial tubes
- the infection causes swelling and irritation of the brochical tubes
- leading to shortness of breath
what is the pathology of chronic bronchitis?
the bronchial tubes lose their cilia which help move mucus up the tubes to be coughed out, making it harder to cough up mucus because you have to cough more causing inflammation and lung damage
what is emphysema
damage to the alveoli (air sacs)
what is the pathology of emphysema
- the wall inside the alveoli vanish and the small alveoli become one large alveoli
- the large alveoli dont absorb oxygen as well as small alveoli
- poor absorption of O2 results in less o2 in the blood
- the damaged alveoli lead to damage in lung shape and elasticity
- the air becomes trapped in the lungs
what is refractory (non-reversible) asthma?
- asthma that does not respond to normal asthma treatment
- the bronchial airways become tight and swell
- asthma medication doesnt open up airways
what is the main cause of COPD
inhaled pollutants that cause lung irritation such a tobacco smoke
- occurs mostly in people over the age of 40 that have a history of smoking
what test is done to diagnose COPD?
a spirometry test
- its non-invasive
- measures how well your lungs work
COPD management
- main aim is to improve functional capacity of the lungs
- to treat or prevent further complications
- improve QOL through managing symptoms
- ## stop smoking
what are some nursing interventions for COPD
- monitoring BMI
- monitor airways
- encourage exercise
- provide education
- encourage self-managment
- monitor signs of aspiration
what are some medications that can help with COPD
Prevent the constriction of airway: beta 2 agonist, anticholinergics
Reduce or prevent inflammation: phosphodiesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids
Enhance inspiratory muscle function: methylxanthines
what are the 4 steps in using an inhaler
1. Shake the inhaler well (holding it upright) 2. . Fit the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer 3. Seal lips firmly around the mouth piece - press the inhaler once only 4. Take 4-6 slow breaths in and out through your mouth. Do not remove the spacer from your mouth between breaths
