COPD: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Assessment
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the least likely contributing factor to the development of a 'barrel chest' in individuals with advanced COPD?

  • Strengthening and hypertrophy of the diaphragm. (correct)
  • Hyperinflation of the lungs, leading to increased lung volume and reduced elasticity.
  • Increased use of accessory muscles to aid in respiration.
  • Progressive air trapping within the lungs due to airflow limitations.

A patient with a long history of COPD presents with increased dyspnea, elevated sputum production, and new-onset wheezing. Which underlying pathological change is most likely contributing to these acute symptoms?

  • Increased elasticity of the alveolar walls, enhancing gas exchange.
  • Exacerbation of mucus clogging and misshaping of bronchioles and alveoli. (correct)
  • Reduced pulmonary fibrosis, improving the alveolar-capillary interface.
  • Reversal of diaphragmatic flattening

A researcher is investigating the impact of various environmental factors on COPD development. Which of the following factors, while potentially harmful to overall health, has the weakest established link to the direct pathogenesis of COPD?

  • Occupational exposure to dusts and chemical fumes.
  • Prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • A diet high in processed foods and saturated fats. (correct)
  • Exposure to high levels of air pollution in urban environments.

Which statement best describes the relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and gas exchange efficiency in COPD?

<p>Pulmonary fibrosis causes the alveolar-capillary interface to become thicker, increasing the time it takes for gas to diffuse across the membrane. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An individual with AATD is diagnosed with COPD at a relatively young age, despite having never smoked and having limited exposure to other known risk factors. What is the most plausible explanation for this early onset of COPD?

<p>AATD accelerates the destruction of elastic fibers in the lungs, leading to premature emphysema. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason for reduced exercise tolerance in a patient with advanced COPD?

<p>Increased work of breathing and inefficient gas exchange. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the least expected finding during an assessment of a patient experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation?

<p>Markedly decreased respiratory rate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does air trapping occur in individuals with COPD?

<p>Individuals have a persistent and progressive airflow limitation, which makes it difficult for individuals to fully exhale. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes how accessory muscles are utilized during COPD?

<p>Individuals with COPD often use their accessory muscles of respiration, including the neck and shoulder muscles, to assist with their breathing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might the increase in mucous production from COPD impact the lungs?

<p>Reduce the amount of Oxygen absorbed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with advanced COPD exhibits a barrel chest and persistent hyperinflation. What is the primary physiological mechanism contributing to these physical changes?

<p>Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with chronic COPD develops pulmonary hypertension. Which of the following physiological processes directly leads to this complication?

<p>Chronic pulmonary vasoconstriction stimulated by hypoxia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a long history of COPD presents with new onset jugular venous distention and peripheral edema. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause?

<p>Right-sided heart failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary physiological benefit of pursed-lip breathing for patients with COPD?

<p>Prolonging expiratory phase to prevent premature airway collapse. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following a femur fracture, a patient develops acute respiratory distress, altered mental status, and petechiae on the chest. Which condition is most likely?

<p>Fat embolism syndrome (FES). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most critical early intervention for a patient suspected of having a fat embolism following a long bone fracture?

<p>High-flow oxygen therapy and respiratory support. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a known history of COPD is admitted for an elective surgery. What preventative measure is most important to discuss with the surgical team to minimize the risk of post-operative complications related to their COPD?

<p>Optimizing bronchodilator therapy and encouraging pulmonary hygiene. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During assessment of a patient with advanced COPD, the nurse auscultates low-pitched, continuous rumbling sounds primarily during expiration. How should the nurse document this finding?

<p>Rhonchi. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An unconscious patient exhibits a breathing pattern characterized by gradually increasing tidal volume, followed by a period of decreasing tidal volume, and then a period of apnea. Which respiratory pattern is the patient demonstrating?

<p>Cheyne-Stokes respirations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is being discharged after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation, it’s important to educate the patient on activity pacing. Why is this helpful?

<p>Activity pacing helps reduce symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue during activities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

COPD: Loss of Elasticity

Loss of lung elasticity leading to persistent hyperinflation and a barrel chest appearance.

Clubbed Fingers (in COPD)

Enlarged fingertips due to chronic hypoxia, causing vascular and connective tissue changes.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched, continuous snoring sounds often heard in COPD patients.

Dyspnea on Exertion

Shortness of breath during physical activity.

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Pursed-Lip Breathing

Breathing technique to create back pressure in the airways, keeping them open longer to release trapped air.

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COPD & Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic hypoxia leads to pulmonary vasoconstriction, potentially causing pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure.

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Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

Alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea, often seen in unconscious or dying patients.

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Fatty Emboli

Fat globules obstructing blood vessels, often after long bone fractures. Can cause tissue damage to the lungs, brain and skin.

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Early Manifestations of Fatty Emboli

Tachypnea, dyspnea, hypoxemia and anxiousness. Petechiae and neurological changes are late signs.

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DVT Prevention

Encourage ambulation, use of compression stockings, and prophylactic anticoagulants.

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A,B,Cs

Ensuring open airway, effective breathing, and adequate circulation.

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COPD Risk Factors

Smoking, infections, asthma, air pollution, occupational exposures, aging and genetics.

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COPD Symptoms

Persistent cough, excessive sputum, dyspnea (especially on exertion), wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections and reduced exercise tolerance

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Barrel Chest

Caused by air trapping, hyperinflation, diaphragmatic changes, accessory muscle use, and loss of elastic recoil.

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Air Trapping

Difficulty exhaling fully, leading to air remaining trapped in the lungs.

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Hyperinflation (in COPD)

Increased lung volume due to trapped air, causing the lungs to overinflate and lose elasticity.

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Diaphragmatic Changes (in COPD)

Flattening and loss of the normal dome shape of the diaphragm due to COPD.

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Accessory Muscle Use (in COPD)

Use of neck and shoulder muscles to assist with breathing when respiratory function is impaired.

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Loss of Elastic Recoil (in COPD)

Loss of the lungs' ability to recoil during exhalation. It is due to destruction of alveolar walls and changes in lung tissue.

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Pulmonary Fibrosis

The alveolar-capillary interface becomes thicker, increasing the amount of time it takes for gases to diffuse across the membrane.

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Study Notes

  • COPD is assessed by observing both chronic conditions and exacerbations.
  • COPD risk factors include smoking, infection, asthma, air pollution, occupational hazards, aging, genetics, and AATD (Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).

COPD Signs and Symptoms

  • Chronic cough is a common symptom.
  • Excessive sputum production is typical in COPD patients.
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during exertion, is a key indicator.
  • Wheezing and chest tightness are often reported
  • Frequent respiratory Infections are typical
  • Reduced exercise tolerance is a sign of COPD.
  • Breath sounds are usually identified as rhonchi.
  • Air trapping occurs because persistent airflow limitation makes full exhalation difficult.
  • Hyperinflation results from trapped air, increasing lung volume and reducing elasticity.
  • Diaphragmatic changes include flattening, further contributing to chest expansion.
  • Accessory muscles are used to compensate for impaired respiratory function.
  • Loss of elastic recoil in the lungs due to alveolar wall damage contributes to hyperinflation.
  • Clubbed fingers result from chronic hypoxia causing vascular and connective tissue changes.
  • Rhonchi are low-pitched, "snoring" sounds, sometimes called low pitch wheezing.
  • Dyspnea occurs on exertion along with a sense of a heavy chest.
  • Increased work to breathe, air trapping, and barrel chest are signs of COPD.
  • Pursed-lip breathing can help relieve anxiety, and slows respiration by providing positive pressure to open airways.

COPD Complications

  • Hypoxia stimulates pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction.
  • Chronic pulmonary vasoconstriction can lead to pulmonary hypertension.
  • Pulmonary hypertension increases workload of the right ventricle, potentially causing right-sided heart failure.

Cheyne-Stokes Respirations

  • Cheyne-Stokes respirations involve alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea.
  • Often seen in clients who are unconscious, comatose, or nearing death.
  • Hypoxia stimulates pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction.

Fatty Emboli

  • Fatty embolism is characterized by fat globules obstructing blood vessels, causing tissue damage.
  • Fatty embolism syndrome (FES) includes the symptoms resulting from fat embolism.
  • Fatty emboli commonly occur after fractures of long bones but can develop in other situations.
  • Fat emboli originate from bone marrow fat cells entering the bloodstream after a fracture.
  • Fractures, especially of long bones, are common causes of fatty emboli.
  • Non-traumatic causes include elective orthopedic procedures, such as joint replacements.
  • Fat emboli most commonly travel to and affect the lungs, followed by the brain and skin.
  • FES typically presents 24 to 72 hours after the initial injury or surgery.
  • Respiratory symptoms of FES include shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.
  • Neurological symptoms include altered mental status, confusion, and focal neurological deficits.
  • Dermatological symptoms include petechiae, especially on the upper body and chest.
  • Fever and tachycardia may also be present.
  • Diagnosis of fatty embolism and FES is based on clinical findings and imaging studies.
  • Early manifestations of fatty emboli include tachypnea, dyspnea, hypoxemia, and anxiousness.
  • Late manifestations include petechiae and neurological changes.
  • Treatment focuses on supportive care.
  • Oxygen therapy is needed to address respiratory symptoms.
  • Intravenous fluids and hemodynamic support are used.
  • Mechanical ventilation may be required if respiratory failure occurs.
  • Prevention includes early stabilization of fractures and cautious handling of bones during surgery.
  • A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) carries a risk of fat emboli due to fat harvesting and injection.

DVT Prevention

  • Encourage ambulation.
  • Use compression stockings.
  • Administer prophylactic anticoagulants to high-risk patients.

Pneumothorax

  • Interventions include chest tube placement to evacuate air and restore lung function.
  • Avoid actions that can worsen the pneumothorax, such as high-pressure ventilation.

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Explore COPD assessment through chronic conditions and exacerbations. Understand risk factors like smoking, pollution, and genetics. Learn to recognize key signs and symptoms such as chronic cough, dyspnea, wheezing and decreased elastic recoil.

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