COURSES QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
what does spirometry testing do? -Answer-confirms airflow obstruction and determines
the severity of COPD
what does the chest x ray of a COPD patient usually show? -Answer-flat diaphragm due
to hyperinflated lungs
(decreased/increased) serum alpha 1 antitrypsin levels are indicative of lung disease -
Answer-decreased
patients with an O2 sat of ___% or less at rest qualify for supplemental O2 -Answer-88
true or false: ABGs alone can be used to diagnose COPD -Answer-false
typically, in the late stages of COPD, the patient has __________ pH, __________
PaCO2, and ____________ HCO2 -Answer-low to normal pH
above normal PaCO2
high to normal HCO3 (compensated)
total lung capacity -Answer-the sum of vital capacity and residual volume
vital capacity -Answer-The total volume of air that can be exhaled after maximal
inhalation.
residual volume -Answer-Amount of air remaining in the lungs after a FORCED
exhalation
when the __________ ratio is less than _____ along with the appropriate symptoms, a
diagnosis of COPD is made -Answer-when the FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70%
FEV1 -Answer-forced expiratory volume in 1 second
FVC -Answer-forced vital capacity (amount of gas that can be forcibly and rapidly
exhaled after a full inspiration)
,The value of _____ as a percentage compared with normal provides a guideline for the
degree of severity in the pt's lung disease and stage of the disease -Answer-FEV1
the (lower/higher) the FEV1, the more obstructed the airways are -Answer-lower
(obstructive/restrictive) disease is characterized by an increase in the resistance to
airflow through the airways -Answer-obstructive
restrictive lung disease is characterized by (reduced/increased) expansion/elasticity of
the lung parenchyma with (decreased/increased) total lung capacity -Answer-reduced,
decreased
chest wall disorders -Answer-rib fractures, flail chest, etc
chest wall disorders are considered (restrictive/obstructive) -Answer-restrictive
acute/chronic interstitial and infiltrative diseases are considered (restrictive/obstructive) -
Answer-restrictive
asthma is considered (restrictive/obstructive) -Answer-obstructive
patients with COPD will have a(n) (increased/decreased) total lung capacity -Answer-
increased
what are some airway clearance techniques that COPD patients can use? -Answer-huff
coughing, chest physiotherapy (postural drainage, percussion, vibration)
how often can postural drainage be done? -Answer-q4 hours
COPD patients should practice (diaphragmatic/chest) breathing with pursed lips -
Answer-diaphragmatic
how much fluid intake is recommended for a COPD patient? -Answer-3L/day unless
contraindicated
surgical interventions for COPD (3) -Answer-1. lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)
2. bullectomy
3. lung transplant
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) -Answer-decreases the size of hyperinflated
lungs and decreases airway obstruction, increasing room for remaining alveoli to
function
improves chest wall mechanics
bullectomy surgery is done for -Answer-emphysematous COPD
, bullae -Answer-large air pockets within the lung parenchyma
lung transplants are done in cases of -Answer-severe COPD
normally, (O2/CO2) is what stimulates the chemoreceptors and causes us to ventilate
with COPD, people are driven to breathe by ___________ -Answer-normally, increased
CO2 levels stimulate ventilation
chronic COPD leads to hypoxemia being the only thing stimulating a person to breathe
true or false: all pts with COPD retain CO2 -Answer-false
oxygen goal for COPD -Answer-SPO2 of at least 90%
OR
PaO2 of at least 60 mmHg
most COPD patients can tolerate __ L of oxygen via _________ -Answer-2 L via nasal
cannula or venturi mask
what is especially helpful for giving low, constant O2 concentrations to patients with
COPD? -Answer-venturi mask
acapella device -Answer-small handheld device that uses Positive Expiratory Pressure
(PEP) and vibrations to mobilize secretions
High-frequency chest wall oscillation -Answer-inflatable vest with high frequency
airwaves that dislodge mucus from airways
true or false: aggressive respiratory toilet is good for COPD patients -Answer-true
what type of diet is recommended for COPD patients? -Answer-high in calories and
protein, moderate in carbs, moderate to high in fats
how many meals/day should COPD pts eat? -Answer-5-6 small meals
why should oral care be offered to COPD patients before meals? -Answer-to reduce the
taste of sputum
COPD pts should drink liquids (with/between) meals -Answer-between
what should COPD pts do before mealtimes? -Answer-rest for 30 min and use a
bronchodilator 1 hour before