Pathophysiology
This condition is characterized by destruction of alveoli, reducing surface area for gas exchange.
What is emphysema?
Common respiratory symptom worsened by physical exertion.
What is dyspnea?
This breathing technique helps reduce air trapping.
What is pursed-lip breathing?
This short-acting bronchodilator is a beta-2 agonist.
What is albuterol?
COPD is most commonly caused by long-term exposure to this.
What are irritants (like cigarette smoke)?
Chronic bronchitis leads to increased blood viscosity and pressure in this artery.
What is the pulmonary artery?
This chest shape is commonly seen in COPD due to air trapping.
What is barrel chest?
This oxygen saturation range is the target for COPD patients.
What is 88–92%?
Corticosteroids should be used after this type of inhaler.
What is a bronchodilator?
This symptom is often the first sign of COPD.
What is a chronic productive cough?
This results from the loss of elastic recoil and causes air trapping.
What is hyperinflation?
COPD patients may breathe in this position to help with airflow.
What is tripod position?
These techniques include chest physiotherapy and postural drainage.
What are airway clearance techniques?
Name a combination inhaler with a corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator.
What is Symbicort?
This anticholinergic medication is used as a short-acting bronchodilator.
What is Atrovent?
Low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels in chronic bronchitis can lead to this visible skin symptom.
What is cyanosis?
This physical finding reflects difficulty in fully exhaling.
What is prolonged expiration?
This body position improves gas exchange.
What is high Fowler’s or tripod position?
Patients must rinse their mouth after using this type of inhaled drug to prevent thrush.
What are corticosteroids?
This breathing technique focuses on using the abdomen instead of the chest.
What is diaphragmatic breathing?
This type of heart failure can result from pulmonary hypertension due to chronic bronchitis.
What is right-sided heart failure?
Advanced COPD may cause these two systemic symptoms.
What are fatigue and weight loss?
These two measurements help assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
What are ABGs and pulse oximetry?
Name two side effects of long-term corticosteroid use.
What are hyperglycemia and bone problems?
This is the main goal of teaching energy conservation to COPD patients.
What is to manage activity intolerance?