COPD
Emphysema and Bronchitis
Asthma
Meds
100

COPD risk factors 

Smoking-greatest risk factor, White, Older men, Environmental pollutants/air pollutants, Asthma, Genetics- alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (both parents have to have this gene to develop COPD related to AATD) 

100

What is emphysema? 

loss of elasticity and hyperinflation of the lungs which results in dyspnea and tachycardia. Inhalation can start before exhalation, which can lead to uneven breathing. 


Affects alveoli 

100

What is asthma? 

 reversible airflow obstruction that is the result of inflammation or hyperresponsiveness that leads to bronchospasm

100

Albuterol 

causes bronchodilation and has a rapid onset of action

S/E= Headache, rhinitis, excitability, tremors 

200

What is the hypoxic drive theory? 

the main drive to breathe. In COPD patients, the stimulation to breathe leads to decreased O2 levels. 

200

What is chronic bronchitis? 

occurs when bronchial tubes are inflamed, often by irritants (especially cigarette smoke). Inflammation narrows airways causing hypoxemia and then the arterial CO2 levels increase (this could lead to respiratory acidosis). 


Affects bronchioles 

200

S/S of asthma 

cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, tachycardia, use of accessory muscles, possible cyanosis 

200

Ipratropium 

maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD 

S/E= Dry mouth, constipation, dyspepsia- indigestion, abdominal pain, insomnia


300

S/S of COPD exacerbation

increasing SOB, wheezing, increased frequency or severity of cough, sleep problems, anxiety, decreased appetite

300

S/S of emphysema 

PINK PUFFERS 

thin stature, cardiac enlargement, barrel chest, reddish color, pursed lips 

300

Complications of asthma 

respiratory failure, pneumonia, atelectasis, airway obstruction

300

Theophylline 

relaxes smooth muscle of bronchi and bronchioles increasing cAMP promoting bronchodilation 

  • Blood draw will have to occur (therapeutic range 5-15 mcg/mL)

  • S/E= Dizziness, headache, irritability, nervousness, GI distress

  • “Caffeine pill” 

400

COPD management/treatment 

pursed lip breathing, 1500-200mL of hydration per day, humidification of oxygen, positioning (at least 45 degrees), change positions q2hr, exercise, diet (high cal, high protein, avoid dairy, small frequent meals), infection control, incentive spirometer, med compliance, decreasing anxiety

400

S/S of chronic bronchitis 

BLUE BLOATER 

daily productive cough, obesity, ankle edema, JVD, cyanosis

400

What is status asthmaticus? (some S/S too) 

unresponsive to treatment with bronchodilators

S/S= prolonged expiratory phase, JVD, increased wheezing 

400

Glucocorticoids 

anti inflammatory 

S/E= Dry mouth, throat irritation, headache, confusion, depression, fluid retention

500

Complications of COPD

respiratory failure, cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory infections, osteoporosis, lung cancer, chronic atelectasis, secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, sleep problems, cor pulmonale 

500

What is the normal O2 stat for COPD patients? 

88-92%

500

Nursing interventions for asthma 

patient positioning (at least 45 decrees), monitor dyspnea, assess LOC, meds, IV fluids if needed, education patient (inhaler use, pursed lip breathing, smoking cessation, cleaning of equipment) 

500

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists 

reduce inflammatory process and decrease bronchodilation 

S/E= Dizziness, headaches, confusion, GI distress, depression 

  • Use every day if prescribed 

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