Acute Respiratory: Chapter 20 pg. 603-630 COPD

What is air trapping in the context of pulmonary disease?

Incomplete emptying of alveoli during expiration due to loss of lung tissue elasticity, bronchospasm, or airway obstruction.

What is alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency?

A genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin, leading to increased risk of developing panacinar emphysema.

What symptoms are typically associated with asthma?

Wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough that vary over time and in intensity.

What is bronchiectasis?

Chronic, irreversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles resulting from the destruction of muscles and elastic connective tissue.

How is chest percussion used in respiratory therapy?

Cupping hands over the chest wall and using vibration to mobilize secretions by mechanically dislodging viscous or adherent secretions.

Define chronic bronchitis.

The presence of cough and sputum production for at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

A disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, often presenting with overlap of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

What does desaturate mean in the context of oxygenation?

A precipitous drop in the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.

What is a dry-powder inhaler (DPI)?

A compact, portable inspiratory flow-driven inhaler that delivers dry-powder medications into the patient’s lungs.

How does hypoxemia differ from hypoxia?

Hypoxemia refers to decreased arterial oxygen tension in the blood, while hypoxia refers to decreased oxygen supply to the tissues and cells.

What defines polycythemia in patients with COPD?

An increase in red blood cell concentration as the body attempts to improve oxygen-carrying capacity.

What is postural drainage?

Positioning the patient to facilitate drainage from all lobes of the lungs and airways.

What is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)?

A portable, patient-activated pressurized medication canister that provides aerosolized medication for inhalation.

Describe a small-volume nebulizer (SVN).

A handheld generator-driven medication delivery system that provides aerosolized liquid medication into the lungs.

What does spirometry measure?

Specific lung volumes and rates, such as FEV1 and FVC.

What is vibration in the context of airway clearance?

A technique involving rhythmic shaking of the chest wall to help mobilize lung secretions.

Why is patient education important in managing chronic pulmonary disorders?

It enhances self-management and improves the quality of life for patients.

What is the key characteristic of emphysema?

Destruction of the walls of overdistended alveoli.

What role does alpha1-antitrypsin play in lung health?

It is a protective agent against lung tissue damage; deficiency increases the risk of emphysema.

How do environmental factors influence the development of COPD?

Smoking, indoor/outdoor air pollution, and occupational exposures are significant risk factors that contribute to the disease.

What are the common symptoms of COPD?

Chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea.

How is COPD classified according to severity?

Based on spirometric values (FEV1/FVC ratio and FEV1 percentage predicted) into grades I (mild) to IV (very severe).

What is chronic bronchitis characterized by?

Chronic inflammation and excess mucus production in the airways.

What are the systemic effects of COPD?

Muscle wasting, metabolic disturbances, and frequent comorbidities such as depression.

What are the components of pulmonary rehabilitation?

Education, physical conditioning, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.

What is the primary therapeutic intervention for patients with COPD?

Smoking cessation.