Week 4 COPD

Question 1

Describe the etiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Answer 1

The etiology of COPD is primarily associated with cigarette smoking, which leads to an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs to noxious particles or gases.

Question 2

Explain the pathophysiology of COPD.

Answer 2

COPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs.

Question 3

What are the clinical manifestations of COPD?

Answer 3

Clinical manifestations of COPD include chronic cough, sputum production, dyspnea, and decreased exercise tolerance.

Question 4

How does cigarette smoking affect the lungs?

Answer 4

Cigarette smoking causes an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to airflow limitation and the development of COPD.

Question 5

Define chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Answer 5

COPD is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of COPD.

Answer 6

People with COPD often display characteristics of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Question 7

Define emphysema in the context of COPD.

Answer 7

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveoli.

Question 8

What is chronic bronchitis and how is it defined in COPD?

Answer 8

Chronic bronchitis is defined by a chronic, productive cough lasting for 3 or more months per year for 2 or more years.

Question 9

List common symptoms associated with COPD.

Answer 9

Common symptoms of COPD include dyspnea, shortness of breath (SOB), and activity limitations.

Question 10

Identify the primary cause of COPD in Canada.

Answer 10

Cigarette smoking is responsible for 80 - 90% of COPD cases in Canada.

Question 11

What environmental factors contribute to the development of COPD?

Answer 11

Environmental factors include exposure to chemicals, dust, and vapours.

Question 12

What genetic factor is associated with COPD?

Answer 12

α 1 - Antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic factor associated with COPD.

Question 13

Describe the pathophysiology of COPD related to alveoli.

Answer 13

The pathophysiology of COPD involves the destruction of alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange.

Question 14

Describe the clinical features of COPD.

Answer 14

Chronic, productive cough; history of smoking or exposure to risk factors; progressively worsening dyspnea; anorexia and weight loss in late stages; auscultation of prolonged expiratory phase, wheezes, or diminished sounds; accessory muscle use; tripod posture; pursed-lip breathing; barrel chest (hyperinflation/air trapping); dusky color of the skin.

Question 15

How does smoking history relate to COPD symptoms?

Answer 15

A history of smoking or exposure to risk factors is commonly associated with the development and progression of COPD symptoms.

Question 16

Define the significance of tripod posture in COPD patients.

Answer 16

Tripod posture is often adopted by COPD patients to facilitate breathing by using accessory muscles more effectively.

Question 17

Explain the importance of auscultation findings in COPD diagnosis.

Answer 17

Auscultation may reveal prolonged expiratory phase, wheezes, or diminished sounds, which are important for diagnosing COPD.

Question 18

How does pursed-lip breathing benefit COPD patients?

Answer 18

Pursed-lip breathing helps to keep airways open longer, improving ventilation and reducing shortness of breath.

Question 19

Describe the physical appearance of a patient with advanced COPD.

Answer 19

Patients may exhibit a barrel chest due to hyperinflation and air trapping, along with a dusky color of the skin.

Question 20

What role do accessory muscles play in COPD?

Answer 20

Accessory muscle use indicates increased effort in breathing, often seen in patients with COPD due to airway obstruction.

Question 21

Define cor pulmonale in the context of COPD.

Answer 21

Cor pulmonale is a late manifestation of COPD characterized by hypertrophy of the right side of the heart due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often resulting from chronic alveolar hypoxia and/or acidosis.

Question 22

Explain the relationship between pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale.

Answer 22

Pulmonary hypertension, which can develop from chronic hypoxia in COPD, leads to hypertrophy of the right side of the heart, resulting in cor pulmonale.

Question 23

What are acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD)?

Answer 23

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) refer to sudden worsening of COPD symptoms, which can lead to increased shortness of breath and require medical intervention.

Question 24

Define the typical SpO2 goals for oxygen therapy in COPD patients.

Answer 24

The typical SpO2 goals for oxygen therapy in COPD patients are approximately 88 - 92%.

Question 25

What are the implications of COPD prevalence among First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals?

Answer 25

The prevalence of COPD in First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals is approximately 2 times higher than in the general population, indicating a significant health disparity.

Question 26

What is the significance of serum α 1 - Antitrypsin level (AAT) testing in COPD assessment?

Answer 26

Serum α 1 - Antitrypsin level (AAT) testing is significant as it helps identify genetic factors that may contribute to the development of COPD, particularly in younger patients.

Question 27

Describe the function of SABA in respiratory treatment.

Answer 27

SABA stands for Short-Acting Beta2-Agonist, which is used to provide quick relief from asthma or COPD symptoms by relaxing the muscles in the airways.

Question 28

Define LAMA and its role in respiratory therapy.

Answer 28

LAMA stands for Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist, which helps to open the airways and is used for long-term management of COPD.

Question 29

How does a combination inhaler benefit patients with respiratory conditions?

Answer 29

Combination inhalers contain multiple medications, such as corticosteroids and LABAs, which can provide enhanced control of symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Question 30

Explain the significance of the duration of action for inhalers.

Answer 30

The duration of action indicates how long the medication remains effective in the body, which is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining stable respiratory function.

Question 31

What is the primary use of oral corticosteroids in respiratory conditions?

Answer 31

Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used to reduce inflammation and manage severe exacerbations in conditions like asthma and COPD.

Question 32

What distinguishes LABA from SABA in terms of duration?

Answer 32

LABA (Long-Acting Beta2-Agonist) provides prolonged relief, typically lasting 12 to 24 hours, while SABA (Short-Acting Beta2-Agonist) offers quick relief for 4 to 6 hours.

Question 33

How does body position affect patients with COPD?

Answer 33

Body position can inhibit lung expansion, leading to fatigue and respiratory muscle fatigue, which may be evidenced by the patient adopting a tripod position, using pursed-lip breathing, and engaging accessory muscles for breathing.

Question 34

What are some symptoms that may indicate a patient with COPD is experiencing ineffective airway clearance?

Answer 34

Symptoms indicating ineffective airway clearance in a COPD patient may include wheezing, coughing, increased sputum production, and difficulty in expectorating mucus.

Question 35

Identify the risk factors for infection in COPD patients.

Answer 35

Risk for infection is evidenced by insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure to pathogens, smoking, malnutrition, and stasis of body fluid leading to increased secretions.

Question 36

How does adequate hydration contribute to respiratory health?

Answer 36

Adequate hydration helps maintain mucus clearance and overall lung function, which is essential for patients with respiratory conditions.