COPD Part 2 Flashcards
Diagnostic Findings
Pulmonary function studies:
*Spirometry
*Arterial blood gas measurements
*chest x-ray
*Screening for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
SACS
are used to help confirm the diagnosis of COPD, determine disease severity, and monitor disease progression
Pulmonary function studies
is used to evaluate airflow obstruction, which is determined by the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC).
Spirometry
used to determine reversibility of obstruction after the use of bronchodilator
Spirometry
How to do spirometry
Spirometry is initially performed, the patient is given an inhaled bronchodilator treatment according to a standard protocol, and then spirometry is repeated. The patient demonstrates a degree of reversibility if the pulmonary function values improve after administration of the bronchodilator
obtained to assess baseline oxygenation and gas exchange and are especially important in advanced COPD.
Arterial blood gas measurements
obtained to exclude alternative diagnoses
Chest xray
is suggested for all adults who are symptomatic, especially for patients younger than 45 years
Screening for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
Factors that determine the clinical course and survival of patients with COPD include history of
cigarette smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, age, rate of decline of FEV1, hypoxemia, pulmonary artery pressure, resting heart rate, weight loss, reversibility of airflow obstruction, and comorbidities.
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primary differential diagnosis of COPD is
Asthma
may help in the differential diagnosis.
high-resolution CT scan
Key factors to diagnose
Pt. history, severity of symptoms and reactions to bronchodilator
PSR
Grade I
Mild
FEV1/FVC <70%
FEV1 ≥80% predicted
Grade II
Moderate
FEV1/FVC <70%
FEV1 50–79% predicted
Grade III
Severe
FEV1/FVC <70%
FEV1 30–49% predicted
Grade IV
Very severe
FEV1/FVC <70%
FEV1 <30% predicted
Complications
Acute/chronic Respiratory insufficiency and failure
pneumonia, chronic atelectasis, pneumothorax, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (cor pulmonale)
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are major life-threatening complications of COPD.
Respiratory insufficiency and failure
The acuity of the onset and the severity of respiratory failure depend on
baseline pulmonary function, pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas values, comorbid conditions, and the severity of other complications
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Severe copd
Chronic Resp. Insufficiency and failure
severe bronchospasm or pneumonia in a patient with severe COPD
Acute Resp. Insufficiency and failure