COPD very brief Flashcards
Definition: COPD
COPD is an umbrella term, which is mainly associated with Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis. It is chronic progressive and irreversible characterised by blocked airflow and breathing difficulty.
Definition: Chronic bronchitis
is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes (trachea, bronchi, terminal bronchioles)
Definition: Emphysema
a destruction of the alveolar walls (creating bullae) and loss of lung elasticity resulting in a permanent enlargement of the alveoli
Damage to the lungs from COPD can’t be reversed, but treatment can help
control symptoms and minimize further damage
Assessment techniques: COPD
- Percussion
- Auscultation
- Sputum
- X-ray
- Spirometry
PN (percission note): COPD
hyperresonant
[if atelectasis (consolidation) = dull]
Breath sounds: COPD
decreased … due to decreased air entry; excess aei in the lung filters sound
Added sounds: COPD
Crackles +/- Wheezes
Vocal resonance: COPD
normal or decreased
Sputum: COPD
white
X-ray: COPD
- Hyperinflation (horizontal ribs)
- Black (air)
- Low flat diaphragm
- Narrow heart … air compresses
- ring shadows (= air filled bullae)
Spirometry: COPD
- FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% & FEV1 as below >80% mild COPD 50-79% moderate, 30-49% severe <30% very severe (GOLD COPD)
Treatment: COPD
SOB => Breathing control, Positioning (forward leaning)
Sputum => ACBT
why forward leaning position?
facilitates the abdominal contents to raise the anterior part of the diaphragm
TEE (thoracic expantion exercise)
- Collateral ventilation
- Interdependence
Colateral ventilation
assists removal of secretions … air gets behind the secretions
Interdependence
increase lung volume … adjacent alveoli may assist in re-expansion of the lung tissues
BC (breathing control)
“diaphragmatic breathing” … shifting the WOB away from the rib cage and accessory muscles (relaxation of shoulder girdle and upper chest)