NURS 6521 CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY
DISEASE - WALDEN UNIVERSITY CORRECT
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease
characterized by progressive, largely irreversible airflow obstruction.
The condition usually presents in middle-aged or elderly persons with
a history of cigarette smoking. Symptoms include progressive
dyspnea and chronic cough. Prolonged expiration, wheezing, and/or
diminished breath sounds may be noted on physical exam. The
diagnosis is confirmed with a pulmonary function test. Management
includes smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and
pharmacotherapy.
,CONTENTS
Overview
Pathophysiology
Clinical
Presentation
Diagnosis
Management
and
Complications
Differential
Diagnosis
References
Overview
Definition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
a lung disease characterized by airflow
limitation resulting from airway disease and/or
parenchymal destruction.
Types
The subtypes may have differing presentations
and response to therapy. Patients may have any
combination of both.
, Chronic bronchitis:
Clinically defined
Productive cough > 3 months per year for
at least 2 consecutive years
Must be in the absence of other causes of
chronic cough
Emphysema:
Pathologically or radiologically defined
Destruction and permanent dilation of
alveolar sacs
Epidemiology
Worldwide:
Prevalence: 11.7% (expected to
rise) Annual deaths: 3 million
4th leading cause of death (soon to
be 3rd) In the United States:
Prevalence: 16 million
people Annual deaths: >
140,000
3rd leading cause of death
Age:
Prevalence peaks around 50–60 years of
age Age of onset is lower for heavy
Sex:
smokers.
More prevalent in men
Rates in women are
rising.
Mortality rate equal among men and women
Etiology
Cigarette smoking (90% of
cases) 2nd-hand smoke
Air pollution
Occupational exposure to toxins
Alpha-1 antitry p sin (AAT) deficiency
Risk factors
DISEASE - WALDEN UNIVERSITY CORRECT
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease
characterized by progressive, largely irreversible airflow obstruction.
The condition usually presents in middle-aged or elderly persons with
a history of cigarette smoking. Symptoms include progressive
dyspnea and chronic cough. Prolonged expiration, wheezing, and/or
diminished breath sounds may be noted on physical exam. The
diagnosis is confirmed with a pulmonary function test. Management
includes smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and
pharmacotherapy.
,CONTENTS
Overview
Pathophysiology
Clinical
Presentation
Diagnosis
Management
and
Complications
Differential
Diagnosis
References
Overview
Definition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
a lung disease characterized by airflow
limitation resulting from airway disease and/or
parenchymal destruction.
Types
The subtypes may have differing presentations
and response to therapy. Patients may have any
combination of both.
, Chronic bronchitis:
Clinically defined
Productive cough > 3 months per year for
at least 2 consecutive years
Must be in the absence of other causes of
chronic cough
Emphysema:
Pathologically or radiologically defined
Destruction and permanent dilation of
alveolar sacs
Epidemiology
Worldwide:
Prevalence: 11.7% (expected to
rise) Annual deaths: 3 million
4th leading cause of death (soon to
be 3rd) In the United States:
Prevalence: 16 million
people Annual deaths: >
140,000
3rd leading cause of death
Age:
Prevalence peaks around 50–60 years of
age Age of onset is lower for heavy
Sex:
smokers.
More prevalent in men
Rates in women are
rising.
Mortality rate equal among men and women
Etiology
Cigarette smoking (90% of
cases) 2nd-hand smoke
Air pollution
Occupational exposure to toxins
Alpha-1 antitry p sin (AAT) deficiency
Risk factors
