Know Your Disease
Two primary conditions associated with COPD
Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis?
Breath sound typically heard in patients experiencing bronchospasm
What position(s) helps maximize lung expansion in a patient experiencing dyspnea?
high fowlers and tripoding
Albuterol medication class
Short-acting beta2 agonist
A patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation has an SpO₂ of 86%. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Apply supplemental oxygen
Three processes that contribute to airway obstruction in asthma
bronchoconstriction, inflammation, increased mucus production
What does a barrel-shaped chest indicate in a patient with COPD?
chronic hyperinflation and air trapping
Breathing technique used in COPD to prevent airway collapse and air trapping
pursed-lip breathing
Common side effects to monitor for after administering albuterol
tremors, palpitations, anxiety, tachycardia
A patient hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation is receiving BiPAP. The nurse notices the patient is becoming increasingly lethargic and is difficult to arouse. What is the priority nursing action?
Activate rapid response and prepare for endotracheal intubation
Primary difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Emphysema involves alveolar destruction; chronic bronchitis involves chronic airway inflammation and mucus production.
What assessment finding indicates increased work of breathing during an asthma attack?
What device can patients use at home to monitor airflow and recognize worsening asthma?
Peak flow meter
What should the nurse teach a patient to do after using an inhaled corticosteroid?
Rinse their mouth and spit to prevent oral candidiasis
A patient with COPD has an ABG of pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 58 mmHg, and HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L. What acid-base imbalance is present?
Respiratory Acidosis