Nurses have an important role in the care and management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This article, the second in a two-part series, describes the support and treatment options available Show
Abstract This article has been double-blind peer reviewed This is an NCLEX review for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Patients who have COPD are experiencing limiting airflow and decrease elasticity of the aveolar sacs. COPD leads to impaired gas, hyperinflation of the lungs, and other complications such as
heart failure. In the previous review, I covered other respiratory disorders of the respiratory system. So, if you are studying for NCLEX or your nursing lecture exams be sure to check out that section. When taking care of a patient with COPD it is very important the nurse knows how to recognize the typical
signs and symptoms seen in this condition, how it is diagnosed, nursing interventions, and patient education. Don’t forget to take the COPD quiz. In this NCLEX review for COPD, you will learn the following: Definition: pulmonary disease that causes chronic obstruction of airflow from the lungs Keys Point for COPD:
Types of COPD include:
Pathophysiology of COPDNormal breathing: Inhaled oxygen travels down through the trachea which splits at the carina into bronchial tubes starting with the primary bronchus then into smaller airways called secondary and tertiary bronchi which divide into bronchioles and the oxygen goes into the alveolar sacs where gas exchange happens. As the alveoli inflate and deflate with ease, inhaled oxygen attaches to the red blood cells and carbon dioxide enters the respiratory system to be exhaled. What happens in breathing with COPD? In conditions such as chronic bronchitis “blue bloaters”:The name “blue bloaters” is due to cyanosis from “hypoxia” and bloating from edema AND increase in lung volume. The bloating is from the effects of the lung disease on the heart which causes right-sided heart failure. In chronic bronchitis, the bronchioles become damaged that leads them to be thick and swollen and deformed. This is accompanied by more sputum production. This limits the ability of the person being able to completely exhale the air taken in. So, when they take another breath in, it will increase the air volume even more (because they have retained air from the previous breath), and this leads to hyperinflation. Also, less oxygen is getting into the blood and more carbon dioxide is staying in the blood. This leads to low blood levels and high carbon dioxide levels. Patients will have cyanosis due to a decreased oxygen level. To compensate, the body increases RBC production and cause blood to shift elsewhere which increases pressure in the pulmonary artery leading to pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension leads to right-sided heart failure (which is why you will start to see bloating..edema in the abdomen and legs) In conditions such as emphysema “pink puffers”: The name comes from hyperventilation (puffing to breathe) and pink complexion (they maintain a relatively normal oxygen level due to rapid breathing) rather than cyanosis as in chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the alveoli sacs lose their ability to inflate and deflate due to an inflammatory response in the body. So, the sac is unable to properly deflate and inflate. Inhaled air starts to get trapped in the sacs and this causes major hyperinflation of the lungs because the patient is retaining so much volume. Hyperinflation causes the diaphragm to flatten. The diaphragm plays a huge role in helping the patient breathe effortlessly in and out. Therefore, in order to fully exhale, the patient starts to hyperventilate and use accessory muscles to get the air out now. This leads to the barrel chest look and during inspect it may be noted there is an INCREASED ANTEROPOSTERIOR DIAMETER. The damage in the sacs cause the body to keep high carbon dioxide levels and low blood oxygen levels. Inhaled oxygen will not be able to enter into the sacs for gas exchange and carbon dioxide won’t leave the cells to be exhaled. The body tries to compensate by causing hyperventilation (increasing the respiratory rate…hence puffer) and the patient will have less hypoxemia “pink complexion” than chronic bronchitis who have the cyanosis because pink puffers keep their oxygen level just where it needs to be from hyperventilation. Signs & Symptoms of COPDRemember: Lung Damage Lack of energy Unable to tolerate activity (shortness of breath) Nutrition poor (weight loss) due to energy used breathing especially with emphysema Gases abnormal (high PCO2 >45 and low PO2 <90)..respiratory acidosis Dry or productive cough constant (productive with chronic bronchitis) Accessory muscle usage during breathing, Abnormal lung sounds: diminished, coarse crackles (chronic bronchitis) or wheezing Modification of skin color from pink to cyanosis in lips, mucous membranes, nail beds (“blue bloaters”) Anteroposterior diameter increased (barrel chest)….emphysema “pink puffers” Gets in the Tripod Position during dyspnea (stands leaning forward while supporting body with hands on knees or an object) Extreme dyspnea In turn over time, people with COPD will be stimulated to breathe due to low oxygen levels RATHER than high carbon dioxide levels. Complications of COPD
How is COPD Diagnosed?Spirometry: A test where a patient breathes into a tube that measure how much volume the lungs can hold during inhalation and how much and fast air volume is exhaled.
Nursing Interventions for COPDMonitor Respiratory System:
Patient Education for COPD
Medication Regime for COPDRemember the mnemonic: Chronic Pulmonary Medications Save Lungs Corticosteroids: decreases inflammation and mucous production in airway… given: oral, IV, inhaled and used in combination with bronchodilator like:
Methylxanthines: Theophylline (most commonly given orally) type of bronchodilator used long term in patients who have severe COPD
Phosphodiestrace-4 inhibitors: “Roflumilast” used for people who have chronic bronchitis and it works by decreasing COPD exacerbation…not a bronchodilator
Short-acting bronchodilators: relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes and are used in emergency situations where quick relief is needed
Long-acting Bronchodilators: relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes (same as short-acting bronchodilators BUT their effects last longer) used over a longer period of time….taken once or twice a day
More NCLEX Reviews References
What can you teach a patient with COPD?Self-care and COPD. Stop smoking. And don't allow others to smoke around you. ... . Stay active. Twenty minutes of moderate exercise 3 times a week helps reduce the risk of heart disease, decreases shortness of breath, and improves your well-being. ... . Eat a healthy diet. ... . Educate yourself. ... . Take your medications. ... . Have a plan.. What should a nurse be aware of when caring for a patient with COPD?Nursing care plans for COPD. ineffective airway clearance (common in chronic bronchitis). impaired gas exchange (common in emphysema). ineffective breathing pattern.. increased work of breathing.. activity intolerance.. imbalanced nutrition.. deficient knowledge.. risk for infection.. What is the most important part of the COPD treatment?If you have COPD, the most important steps you can take to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life are: Quit smoking. For people who smoke, the most important part of treatment is to stop smoking. Avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants at home and at work.
What nurses need to know about COPD?What We Know About COPD. COPD can be split into three separate conditions: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. Each one of these pulmonary diseases can cause lung inflammation that restricts the airways, making it difficult for patients to breathe on their own.
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