COPD BASICS
Diagnosis of COPD can be firmly made by:
A. Spirometery
B. X-ray chest
C. Auscultation
D. Blood Test
What is Spirometery?
A 10-year-old child with asthma is treated for acute exacerbation in the emergency department. The nurse caring for the child should monitor for which sign, knowing that it indicates a worsening of the condition?
a. Warm, dry skin
b. Decreased wheezing
c. Pulse rate of 90 beats/minute
d. Respirations of 18 breaths/minute
What is decreased wheezing?
A common environmental trigger for both COPD and asthma.
What is smoking? (or air pollution, allergens, etc.)
This simple breathing exercise helps improve lung function and reduce shortness of breath.
What is pursed-lip breathing?
Name a common type of medication used for long-term control in both COPD and asthma.
What are bronchodilators or corticosteroids?
The two main conditions included in COPD are chronic bronchitis and ________.
What is emphysema?
A 34-year-old woman with a history of asthma is admitted to the emergency department. The nurse notes that the client is dyspneic, with a respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute, nasal flaring, and use of accessory muscles. Auscultation of the lung fields reveals greatly diminished breath sounds. Based on these findings, what action should the nurse take to initiate care of the client?
a. Initiate oxygen therapy and reassess the client in 10 minutes.
b. Draw blood for an ABG analysis and send the client for a chest x-ray.
c. Encourage the client to relax and breathe slowly through the mouth
d. Administer ordered bronchodilators
What is administer ordered bronchodilators?
Short-acting bronchodilators provide quick relief in both conditions. What's their common name?
What are rescue inhalers?
A written plan that outlines actions to manage worsening symptoms in COPD or asthma is called ________.
What is an action plan?
This type of inhaler releases medication automatically when the user inhales.
What is a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)?
Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, but this environmental factor can also contribute.
What is smoke/ air pollution?
This device helps individuals with asthma inhale medication directly into their lungs.
What is an inhaler?
This practice, often recommended for asthma and COPD management, involves monitoring and recording symptoms.
What is symptom tracking? (or keeping a symptom diary)
Regular exercise is beneficial for individuals with COPD and asthma. What type of exercise is particularly helpful?
what are aerobic exercises? (e.g., walking, swimming)
In severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. What's their primary role in managing COPD and asthma?
What is reduce inflammation?
The main symptom of COPD is the persistent limitation of this vital respiratory function.
What is shortness of breath or difficulty breathing?
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by this type of sensitivity to substances like pollen or pet dander.
Allergic sensitivity
This proactive measure can help prevent respiratory infections in COPD and asthma patients.
What is a vaccine?
In COPD, this surgical option may be considered in severe cases to improve breathing.
What is a lung transplant?
This type of medicine is used to treat lung infections caused by bacteria.
What are antibiotics?
In COPD, these tiny air sacs in the lungs lose their elasticity, making breathing difficult.
What are the alveoli?
The two main types of asthma are allergic (extrinsic) asthma and this non-allergic type.
What is intrinsic or non-allergic asthma?
This non-pharmacological intervention involves teaching individuals with COPD and asthma how to control their breathing.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
This medical professional plays a crucial role in educating and supporting individuals with COPD and asthma.
What is a respiratory therapist?
Long-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids are commonly used in COPD and asthma management. Name one example of each.
What is tiotropium for bronchodilator and fluticasone for corticosteroid?