COPD Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
what is COPD
A
chronic airflow limitation due to abnormal inflammatory lung response to noxious particles or gases
2
Q
two types of COPD
A
- chronic bronchitis
- emphysema
3
Q
pathophysiology of COPD
A
- inflammatory process in response to smoke where the airways become obstructed over time and air gets trapped during expiration in the alveoli, causing airways to become stiff
- difficulty in exhalation (retain CO2) and poor gas exchange (unable to get enough oxygen)
4
Q
risk factors for COPD
A
- cigarette smoking
- passive smoking
- occupational- chemicals/dust
- air pollution
- infection
- aging
5
Q
clinical manifestations of COPD
A
- insidious
- lots of sputum, thus chronic cough
- dyspnea on exertion; decreased BS; often wheezes
- hyperventilation and flattened diaphragm
- tripod positioning, pursed lip breathing
- anorexia, weight loss, fatigue
- hypoxemia, hypercapnia
- maybe edema
- maybe bluish or reddish skin
- clubbed fingers in later stages
6
Q
diagnostic tests to diagnose COPD
A
- pulmonary function tests
- spirometry
- ABGs
- H & P
7
Q
complications of COPD
A
- cor pulmonale: pulmonary HTN that causes R heart failure
- COPD exacerbations: caused by other infections or air/environmental sources
- Exacerbations/ Acute Respiratory Insufficiency/ Failure: caused by failure to get treatment quickly
- depression/anxiety: always air hungry; huge life changws as disease progresses
8
Q
medical management of COPD
A
- drug therapy: treatment and prevention of exacerbations
- vaccines, antibiotics, mucolytics
- oxygen therapy
- pulmonary rehab: improves exercise capacity, decrease SOB, improve QOL, decrease hospitalizations, decrease anxiety/depression
9
Q
nursing management of COPD
A
- education
- airway clearance techniques
- monitoring/managing potential complications (resp. status, pulse ox, infection, pneumothorax)
10
Q
normal ABG levels
A
- pH: 7.35-7.45
- CO2: 35-45
- pO2: 80-100
- HCO3: 22-26
