NR601 Midterm Exam Study Guide |
Weeks 1–4 Content | Chamberlain
University | Verified Questions and
Answers | A+ Graded | 2026/2027 Edition
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging? -CORRECTANSWER 1.
Reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, esp. cardiac, resp, renal.
2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems (i.e. temp
control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
3. Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater, autoimmune dz's more
prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly? -CORRECTANSWER 30min/day
5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
What are PFTs? -CORRECTANSWER Group of tests that provide quantifiable
measurement of lung function, used to dx resp abnormalities or assess
progression/resolution of lung dz.
,What is FEV1? -CORRECTANSWER Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (80-120%)
What is FVC? -CORRECTANSWER Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio? -CORRECTANSWER <0.7 (70%)
What is GOLD 1 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Mild
FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Moderate
FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Severe
FEV1 30-49% predicted
What is GOLD 4 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Very severe
FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD? -CORRECTANSWER Dyspnea
Chronic cough w/sputum
Decreased activity tolerance
Wheezing
,What are characteristics of COPD? -CORRECTANSWER Common, preventable,
treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in
airways and lungs to noxious particles/gases
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased airway resistance, small
airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.
What are risk factors for COPD? -CORRECTANSWER Smoking (increasing w/number
of pack years)
Second hand smoke
Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD? -CORRECTANSWER May be normal in early
states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath sounds, wheezes at
bases, distant heart tones (b/c of hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance),
, accessory muscle use, pursed lip breathing, increased expiratory phase, neck vein
distention.
How is COPD diagnosed? -CORRECTANSWER Spirometry is gold standard (pre and
post bronchodilator).
Irreversible airflow limitation is hallmark.
How is COPD treated? -CORRECTANSWER Bronchodilators: beta agonists
(long/short), anticholinergics (long/short), or combo.
What is the MOA of beta agonists? -CORRECTANSWER Stimulates beta-2-adrenergic
receptors, increasing cyclic AMP, resulting in relaxing airways.
What is the MOA of anticholinergics? -CORRECTANSWER Block the effect of
acetylcholine on muscarinic type 3 receptors, resulting in bronchodilation.
Why are long-acting beta agonists prescribed for COPD? -CORRECTANSWER They
are for moderate airflow limitation.
They relieve symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, reduce number of exacerbations,
improve QOL.
Weeks 1–4 Content | Chamberlain
University | Verified Questions and
Answers | A+ Graded | 2026/2027 Edition
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging? -CORRECTANSWER 1.
Reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, esp. cardiac, resp, renal.
2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems (i.e. temp
control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
3. Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater, autoimmune dz's more
prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly? -CORRECTANSWER 30min/day
5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
What are PFTs? -CORRECTANSWER Group of tests that provide quantifiable
measurement of lung function, used to dx resp abnormalities or assess
progression/resolution of lung dz.
,What is FEV1? -CORRECTANSWER Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (80-120%)
What is FVC? -CORRECTANSWER Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio? -CORRECTANSWER <0.7 (70%)
What is GOLD 1 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Mild
FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Moderate
FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Severe
FEV1 30-49% predicted
What is GOLD 4 criteria? -CORRECTANSWER Very severe
FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD? -CORRECTANSWER Dyspnea
Chronic cough w/sputum
Decreased activity tolerance
Wheezing
,What are characteristics of COPD? -CORRECTANSWER Common, preventable,
treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in
airways and lungs to noxious particles/gases
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased airway resistance, small
airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.
What are risk factors for COPD? -CORRECTANSWER Smoking (increasing w/number
of pack years)
Second hand smoke
Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD? -CORRECTANSWER May be normal in early
states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath sounds, wheezes at
bases, distant heart tones (b/c of hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance),
, accessory muscle use, pursed lip breathing, increased expiratory phase, neck vein
distention.
How is COPD diagnosed? -CORRECTANSWER Spirometry is gold standard (pre and
post bronchodilator).
Irreversible airflow limitation is hallmark.
How is COPD treated? -CORRECTANSWER Bronchodilators: beta agonists
(long/short), anticholinergics (long/short), or combo.
What is the MOA of beta agonists? -CORRECTANSWER Stimulates beta-2-adrenergic
receptors, increasing cyclic AMP, resulting in relaxing airways.
What is the MOA of anticholinergics? -CORRECTANSWER Block the effect of
acetylcholine on muscarinic type 3 receptors, resulting in bronchodilation.
Why are long-acting beta agonists prescribed for COPD? -CORRECTANSWER They
are for moderate airflow limitation.
They relieve symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, reduce number of exacerbations,
improve QOL.
