20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
WEEK 3 STUDY GUIDE
Alterations IN Pulmonary Function
(Edapt slides with rationals)
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
, lOMoAR cPSD| 51648332
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
ALTERATIONS IN PULMONARY FUNCTION
OBSTRUCTIVE AND RESTRICTIVE LUNG
FUNCTION, PART 1 OF 4
Introduction to Obstructive and
Restrictive Lung Diseases
Obstructive and restrictive lung diseases disturb normal pathophysiological
processes to support normal cellular regulation and homeostasis. Lung diseases
impair gas exchange due to an inconsistent oxygen supply and subsequent
removal of by-product waste (carbon dioxide). Interdependent interactions
between our neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems are also
required to support gas exchange.
When gas exchange is compromised from pulmonary disease, oxygenation is
reduced or ceases, affecting the cells and triggering a cascade of physiological
problems across and between systems. There are also variations in client care
needs based on context. For example, is impaired gas exchange a result of a
primary diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or secondary
due to a myocardial infarction? Regardless of the underlying cause, client care
needs to support gas exchange are prioritized for ventilation, oxygen transport,
and perfusion of oxygen-rich blood throughout the circulatory system.
This learning module focuses on the disease process of obstructive and restrictive
lung diseases and enables you to meet the following course outcomes:
● CO 1: Analyze pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with selected disease
states across the lifespan.
● CO 2: Examine the way in which homeostatic, adaptive, and compensatory
physiological mechanisms can be supported and/or altered through specific
therapeutic interventions across the lifespan.
● CO 3: Distinguish risk factors associated with selected disease states across
the lifespan.
● CO 4: Integrate advanced pathophysiological concepts in the diagnosis and
treatment of health problems in selected populations.
Chronic Bronchitis
The nurse practitioner (NP) is seeing a client with chronic bronchitis that needs
spirometry on today’s visit. What pulmonary function test (PFT) findings are
anticipated based on the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis?
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 51648332
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
Decreased diffusing capacity
Decreased total lung capacity (TLC)
Decreased lung compliance
Decreased forced expiratory flow (FEV1)
Chronic bronchitis is an obstructive disease. Therefore, the client will have
decreased expiratory flow rates. The FEV1 will be decreased.
Air trapping is also common in obstructive disease which will cause an increased
TLC. A decreased diffusing capacity typically only occurs in emphysema, not
chronic bronchitis. In chronic bronchitis, lung compliance is increased slightly, not
decreased.
Arterial Blood Gas
The nurse practitioner (NP) assesses a client with a history of heart failure and
Arterial Blood Gas Results
pH 7.56
PaCO2 30 mmHg
HCO3‾ 24 mEq /L
PO2 82 mmHg
O2 saturation 87%
pulmonary edema. Based on the arterial blood gas (ABG) result below, which
clinical condition does the NP suspect?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The client has uncompensated respiratory alkalosis.
Arterial
Blood Gas Normal Values Results Problem
pH 7.35–7.45 7.56 ↑ (alkalosis)
PaCO2 35–45 mmHg 30 ↓ (respiratory)
HCO3– 22–26 mEq/L 24 24 (normal)
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 51648332
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
Arterial
Blood Gas Normal Values Results Problem
PO2 80–100 mmHg 82 82 (normal)
O2 saturation 95%–100% 87% 95 (normal)
---------------------
Characteristics of Lung Disease
Complete the following sentence by choosing from the list of options.
Lung diseases that have (increased lung volume\ increased lung capacity\ reduced
lung volume) are characterized as restrictive, whereas diseases with (increased
airflow\ reduced airflow\ normal airflow) are characterized as obstructive.
Risk Factors of Lung Disease
An individual is at risk based on age, individual factors, and underlying clinical
conditions. Click each section below to learn more about the risk factors of lung
disease.
Age
● Infants and young children have less alveolar surface area for gas exchange;
therefore, airways can be easily obstructed by mucus, edema, or foreign
objects.
● Older adults have anatomical and physiological changes expected with
advanced age.
● Loss of elastic recoil of the chest and decreased lung volume capacity
(tidal volume)
● Weaker respiratory muscles, reducing the effort to cough (risk for
aspiration)
● Dilation of alveoli, decreased surface area
Individual Factors
● Nonmodifiable: Age, congenital abnormalities, or environmental concerns (air
pollution, for example)
● Modifiable: Tobacco use (inhaled smoke) or second-hand exposure to air
pollutants; vaccinations to prevent pulmonary disease (COVID, influenza,
pneumococcal, Tdap)
● Other: Clients with altered levels of consciousness, neurological disorders,
tracheal intubation, bed rest, or immobilization
Acute or Chronic Disease
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
WEEK 3 STUDY GUIDE
Alterations IN Pulmonary Function
(Edapt slides with rationals)
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
, lOMoAR cPSD| 51648332
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
ALTERATIONS IN PULMONARY FUNCTION
OBSTRUCTIVE AND RESTRICTIVE LUNG
FUNCTION, PART 1 OF 4
Introduction to Obstructive and
Restrictive Lung Diseases
Obstructive and restrictive lung diseases disturb normal pathophysiological
processes to support normal cellular regulation and homeostasis. Lung diseases
impair gas exchange due to an inconsistent oxygen supply and subsequent
removal of by-product waste (carbon dioxide). Interdependent interactions
between our neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems are also
required to support gas exchange.
When gas exchange is compromised from pulmonary disease, oxygenation is
reduced or ceases, affecting the cells and triggering a cascade of physiological
problems across and between systems. There are also variations in client care
needs based on context. For example, is impaired gas exchange a result of a
primary diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or secondary
due to a myocardial infarction? Regardless of the underlying cause, client care
needs to support gas exchange are prioritized for ventilation, oxygen transport,
and perfusion of oxygen-rich blood throughout the circulatory system.
This learning module focuses on the disease process of obstructive and restrictive
lung diseases and enables you to meet the following course outcomes:
● CO 1: Analyze pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with selected disease
states across the lifespan.
● CO 2: Examine the way in which homeostatic, adaptive, and compensatory
physiological mechanisms can be supported and/or altered through specific
therapeutic interventions across the lifespan.
● CO 3: Distinguish risk factors associated with selected disease states across
the lifespan.
● CO 4: Integrate advanced pathophysiological concepts in the diagnosis and
treatment of health problems in selected populations.
Chronic Bronchitis
The nurse practitioner (NP) is seeing a client with chronic bronchitis that needs
spirometry on today’s visit. What pulmonary function test (PFT) findings are
anticipated based on the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis?
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 51648332
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
Decreased diffusing capacity
Decreased total lung capacity (TLC)
Decreased lung compliance
Decreased forced expiratory flow (FEV1)
Chronic bronchitis is an obstructive disease. Therefore, the client will have
decreased expiratory flow rates. The FEV1 will be decreased.
Air trapping is also common in obstructive disease which will cause an increased
TLC. A decreased diffusing capacity typically only occurs in emphysema, not
chronic bronchitis. In chronic bronchitis, lung compliance is increased slightly, not
decreased.
Arterial Blood Gas
The nurse practitioner (NP) assesses a client with a history of heart failure and
Arterial Blood Gas Results
pH 7.56
PaCO2 30 mmHg
HCO3‾ 24 mEq /L
PO2 82 mmHg
O2 saturation 87%
pulmonary edema. Based on the arterial blood gas (ABG) result below, which
clinical condition does the NP suspect?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The client has uncompensated respiratory alkalosis.
Arterial
Blood Gas Normal Values Results Problem
pH 7.35–7.45 7.56 ↑ (alkalosis)
PaCO2 35–45 mmHg 30 ↓ (respiratory)
HCO3– 22–26 mEq/L 24 24 (normal)
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
, lOMoAR cPSD| 51648332
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
3/20/2026
Arterial
Blood Gas Normal Values Results Problem
PO2 80–100 mmHg 82 82 (normal)
O2 saturation 95%–100% 87% 95 (normal)
---------------------
Characteristics of Lung Disease
Complete the following sentence by choosing from the list of options.
Lung diseases that have (increased lung volume\ increased lung capacity\ reduced
lung volume) are characterized as restrictive, whereas diseases with (increased
airflow\ reduced airflow\ normal airflow) are characterized as obstructive.
Risk Factors of Lung Disease
An individual is at risk based on age, individual factors, and underlying clinical
conditions. Click each section below to learn more about the risk factors of lung
disease.
Age
● Infants and young children have less alveolar surface area for gas exchange;
therefore, airways can be easily obstructed by mucus, edema, or foreign
objects.
● Older adults have anatomical and physiological changes expected with
advanced age.
● Loss of elastic recoil of the chest and decreased lung volume capacity
(tidal volume)
● Weaker respiratory muscles, reducing the effort to cough (risk for
aspiration)
● Dilation of alveoli, decreased surface area
Individual Factors
● Nonmodifiable: Age, congenital abnormalities, or environmental concerns (air
pollution, for example)
● Modifiable: Tobacco use (inhaled smoke) or second-hand exposure to air
pollutants; vaccinations to prevent pulmonary disease (COVID, influenza,
pneumococcal, Tdap)
● Other: Clients with altered levels of consciousness, neurological disorders,
tracheal intubation, bed rest, or immobilization
Acute or Chronic Disease
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__
20260111030041_696312591102e_nr_507_week_3_study_guide_alterations_in_pulmonary_function__edapt_slides_with_rationals__.docx
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
