This primary lung component is where much of the COPD-related dyspnea occurs.
alveoli
A patient with COPD may experience a sudden increase in mucous production, coughing, and dyspnea. This is an example of ______________.
COPD exacerbation
The nurse is assessing a patient with COPD, what history must the nurse obtain? Kindly provide 1.
Any of the following: smoking or vaping history, recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, chronic intermittent cough w/ or w/o sputum production, wheezing, progressive dyspnea, history of inhalational exposure to smoke, occupational dust, or chemicals, family history of COPD, history of concomitant chronic diseases or comorbidities,
What is the cure for COPD?
There is no cure.
Though staying active and maintaining a healthy weight is important, COPD patients must remember to promote ______________, as overexertion can cause SOB and dyspnea.
Rest
The main pathophysiological feature of COPD is ____________.
airflow limitation
COPD can cause pulmonary hypertension leading to Cor Pulmonale which is right sided heart failure d/t lung disease. A tell-tale sign of this condition is __________ which can be seen in an C-Ray.
Right sided heart enlargement
The SPO2 level of patients with COPD is at ______.
88% - 92%
How do you prevent further damage from COPD?
Do not smoke or stop smoking
What sort of diet best suits your COPD patient?
high protein with adequate fluid intake
helps maintain muscle, prevent weight loss, helps produce antibodies that fight infection
Structural changes
Patients with COPD have impaired gas exchange in the alveoli. This can put them in a state of hypercapnia putting them at risk of _________.
Respiratory Acidosis
A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD, what are the possible diagnostic findings? Kindly provide 2.
Any of the following:
Abnormal ABGs (dec PAO2 or SAO2, inc PACO2)
PFT – showing expiratory airflow obstruction
Chest X-ray – flattened diaphragm and hyperinflation
ECG – my show signs or RHF.
The nurse notices that the client is doing pursed lip breathing. What is the use of pursed lip breathing?
to release trapped carbon dioxide.
COPD patients are advised to get this annual vaccine to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
flu vaccine
can reduce the risk of hospitalization and worsening of symptoms
This feature is a good thing if it is a show on TLC, but awful when related to COPD.
remodeling
Patients with COPD produce more mucous and may have an obstructed airway due to inflammation of the bronchioles. This can make it more difficult to expel bacterial pathogens leading to an increased risk of __________.
Respiratory Infections
A client with COPD who is beginning oxygen therapy asks the nurse how to manage the amount of oxygen given. How would the nurse instruct the client?
Adjust the oxygen depending on SpO2.
The nurse is caring for a patient and apply low flow O2. Why do the nurse use low flow O2?
High amounts of O2 can suppress the respiratory drive.
Along with quitting smoking, this environmental exposure is critical for COPD patients to avoid, as it can exacerbate symptoms.
air pollution AND/OR secondhand smoke
can cause flare ups, exacerbate current symptoms, increase inflammation within lung tissues, impair lung function
An old man is breathing hard and fast. The lungs will not work if they are lacking ___________.
elasticity
It’s recommended for patients with COPD to maintain an SpO2 saturation of 88%. Having a higher SpO2 saturation puts the patient at risk of a ___________.
Suppressed Respiratory Drive
The nurse monitors the respiratory status of the client being treated for acute exacerbation of COPD. Provide an assessment finding that would indicate deterioration in ventilation?
Rapid shallow respirations
The client is admitted to the hospital for COPD. What medications shall the nurse administer to reduce the symptoms of COPD?
Bronchodilators, expectorants
This nonpharmacologic therapy can improve the patients’ exercise capacity and quality of life by strengthening their respiratory muscles.
pulmonary rehabilitation
can be inpatient/outpatient/within the home, encompasses: exercise training, smoking cessation, nutritional counseling, relieving fatigue, improving emotional function