COPD Overview and Prevention Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary characteristic of emphysema in COPD?

Destruction of alveoli (correct)

Reversible airflow obstruction

Increased lung elasticity

Inflammation of bronchi

Which of the following is a significant risk factor for developing COPD?

Regular exercise

High-fiber diet

Low exposure to pollutants

Cigarette smoking (correct)

In clients with chronic bronchitis, what is a common expected finding?

Increased lung elasticity

Euphoria

Barrel chest

Hypoxemia (correct)

What immunization is particularly important for clients with COPD?

Influenza immunization (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which physical assessment finding is associated with emphysema?

Hyperresonance on percussion (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the use of accessory muscles indicate in a patient with COPD?

Respiratory distress (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected reference range for oxygen saturation levels?

95% to 100% (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings is common in late stages of COPD?

Clubbing of fingers and toes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a decreased FEV/FVC ratio indicate in a patient with COPD?

Progression of COPD severity (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test would you use to diagnose acute respiratory infections?

Sputum cultures (C) Signup and view all the answers

What condition is suggested by a hypoxemia level with PaO2 less than 80 mm Hg?

Low oxygenation levels (C) Signup and view all the answers

As COPD advances, what happens to the FEV-to-FVC ratio?

It decreases (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does an increased PaCO2 greater than 45 mm Hg indicate?

Hypercarbia (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of assessing alpha1 antitrypsin levels in patients?

To assess for deficiency in an enzyme that protects lung tissue (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which position is most appropriate to maximize ventilation in a patient with COPD?

High-Fowler's (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended oxygen saturation range for most patients with COPD?

88% to 92% (D) Signup and view all the answers

When performing diaphragmatic breathing, what is the correct technique for the patient?

Using the diaphragm and resting a hand on the abdomen (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to monitor skin breakdown around the nose and mouth in patients using oxygen devices?

Oxygen devices can create pressure points leading to skin irritation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What dietary recommendations are most appropriate for a patient experiencing dyspnea?

Soft, high-calorie foods to maintain energy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary respiratory drive for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Low arterial levels of oxygen (A) Signup and view all the answers

What breathing technique involves forming the mouth as if preparing to whistle?

Pursed-lip breathing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a positive expiratory pressure device?

It assists in removing airway secretions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How long should a client walk daily to maintain pulmonary status before needing to rest due to dyspnea?

20 minutes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration for older adult clients with dyspnea during physical activity?

They require structured activity with rest periods. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What fluid intake is recommended to help liquefy mucus in clients?

2 to 3 L per day (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should be included when discussing lifestyle changes with a client and their family?

Options for portable oxygen services (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using incentive spirometry?

To promote lung expansion (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which action should a nurse take when teaching a client to use an incentive spirometer?

Show the client how to achieve a tight mouth seal around the mouthpiece (D) Signup and view all the answers

How long should a client hold their breath while using the incentive spirometer?

3 to 5 seconds (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the needle on the spirometry machine during inhalation?

It rises indicating optimal lung expansion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of client education regarding incentive spirometry?

To exhale into the machine before inhaling (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of cholinergic antagonists in treating bronchoconstriction?

They inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system functions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adverse effects should be closely monitored when administering theophylline?

Nausea (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended nursing action when a patient is taking albuterol?

Assess for tremors and tachycardia. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common educational recommendation for patients experiencing dry mouth due to ipratropium use?

Suck on hard candies to moisten the mouth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding methylxanthines like theophylline?

They relax smooth muscles of the bronchi. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which serious adverse effect should be monitored when administering corticosteroids systemically?

Hypokalemia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial nursing action when administering the medication omalizumab?

Monitor for anaphylaxis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which medication type can be used to stabilize mast cells and reduce airway inflammation?

Mast cell stabilizers (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important educational point for a client taking glucocorticoids?

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which monitoring detail is specifically relevant when administering systemic corticosteroids?

Assess for delayed wound healing (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mucolytic agents?

To thin secretions for easier expulsion (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is not classified as a mucolytic agent?

Ipratropium (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which oral agent can be taken to help loosen secretions?

Guaifenesin (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common over-the-counter combination medication that can help with mucus clearance?

Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which nebulizer treatment is used for producing thinner secretions?

Dornase alfa (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using chest physiotherapy with percussion and vibration?

To mobilize secretions in the lungs (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is the best way to facilitate optimal drainage and removal of secretions?

Raising the foot of the bed higher than the head (C) Signup and view all the answers

When managing COPD in older adults, which of the following interventions is essential?

Offering referrals to assistance programs (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following services should be consulted for nutritional issues related to medications or diagnoses?

Nutritional services (B) Signup and view all the answers

What might be an effective use of humidifiers for individuals living in a dry climate?

To improve air quality by adding moisture (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily fluid intake to help thin secretions for clients?

2 liters (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is important to inform caregivers about regarding oxygen use?

Smoking should be avoided near oxygen supplies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What dietary practice is recommended for clients to optimize their health?

Consume high-protein and calorie-rich foods. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential practice clients should follow to prevent infection?

Practice hand hygiene regularly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should clients take regarding smoking?

Stop smoking if prescribed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing action is most appropriate when monitoring for respiratory infections?

Monitor for indications of infection such as increased WBC and CRP. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common manifestation of right-sided heart failure due to cor pulmonale?

Low oxygenation levels and cyanosis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following client education points is important for preventing respiratory infections?

Stay away from crowded places and sick individuals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential nursing action for managing symptoms of right-sided heart failure?

Monitor for gastrointestinal disturbances. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contribute to increased pulmonary pressures in cor pulmonale?

Airway collapse, stiff alveoli, and air trapping. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema is a loss of elasticity and hyperinflation in lung tissue, destroying alveoli and reducing gas exchange.
Chronic bronchitis is bronchi and bronchiole inflammation, often due to irritant exposure.
Many emphysema patients also have chronic bronchitis.
COPD is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, affecting more than 4% of the population.
COPD is irreversible.
COPD typically affects middle-aged to older adults.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Promote smoking cessation.
Avoid secondhand smoke.
Use protective equipment (masks) in polluted or hazardous environments.
Influenza and pneumonia vaccinations are crucial, especially for older adults with COPD.

Risk Factors

Advanced age: Reduced pulmonary reserve due to age-related lung changes.
Smoking: Primary risk factor.
Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.
Environmental exposure: (air pollution).

Expected Findings

Chronic dyspnea, with respiratory rates up to 40-50/min during exacerbations.

Physical Assessment Findings

Dyspnea on exertion.
Productive cough (worse in the morning).
Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen).
Crackles and wheezes.
Rapid and shallow respirations.
Accessory muscle use.
Barrel chest/increased chest diameter (emphysema).
Hyperresonance on percussion (emphysema).
Irregular breathing.
Thin extremities, enlarged neck muscles,
Dependent edema (right-sided heart failure).
Clubbing of fingers/toes (late stage).
Pallor/cyanosis (late stage).
Decreased oxygen saturation (normal is 95-100%).
Slightly lower oxygen saturation possible in darker-skinned individuals.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental aspects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including its definition, types such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, risk factors, and preventive measures. Learn about the significance of smoking cessation and vaccinations in managing health for those affected by COPD.