Med-Surge COPD and Asthma|132 questions| with correct answers

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease refers to CORRECT ANSWER a preventable, and treatable *but not reversible* slow progressing disease of airflow obstruction involving the airways, pulmonary parenchyma (bronchioles, bronchi, blood vessels, interstitium, and alveoli), or both. Two forms of COPD are CORRECT ANSWER Chronic Bronchitis. Emphysema. Chronic Bronchitis is defined as CORRECT ANSWER the presence of cough and sputum production for at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years. Emphysema refers to CORRECT ANSWER the destruction of walls of overinflated alveoli, resulting in the progressive destruction of lung tissue and loss of membranes necessary for gas exchange. Risk factors for COPD include CORRECT ANSWER Exposure to tobacco smoke including 1st and 2nd hand smoke. Increased age. Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. Indoor and outdoor air pollution. Genetic abnormalities including a *deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin* an enzyme that normally counteracts the destruction of lung tissue by other enzymes. Health history assessment should include CORRECT ANSWER Inquiry about symptom progression, smoking history, characteristics of cough, and comorbid conditions. COPD is generally characterized by the presence of three symptoms: CORRECT ANSWER Chronic cough. Sputum production.