Pathophysiology eDapt
COPD | Study Guide,
Practice Questions &
Exam Review
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, The client with COPD has (...) during expiration due to - Reduced
chronic (...) processes - Inflammatory
Increased airflow, reduced airflow, normal airflow
Inflammatory, restrictive, anatomical
Which clinical manifestations are expected in a client - Barrel-shaped chest
with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? - Shortness of breath
Select that all apply. - Productive cough
- Wheezing
- Stridor on inspiration
- Barrel-shaped chest
- Shortness of breath
- Productive cough
- Hypotension
- Wheezing
Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021a),
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of
death in the United States. Almost 15.7 million Americans reported that they
had been diagnosed; however, 50% of affected adults were not aware they had
COPD.
- COPD is more likely to be seen in women, individuals over 65 years of age,
American Indians/Alaska Natives, multiracial non-Hispanics, and individuals
with less than a high school education (CDC, 2021b). Most were current or
former smokers or people with a history of asthma.
Pathogenesis - The pathogenesis of emphysema and chronic bronchitis often begins with
chronic exposure to irritants that inflame the airway epithelium and the release
of inflammatory mediators from immune cells. Elastase also increases in the
body with emphysema, which speeds up the breakdown of elastic fibers in
alveoli (damaged, hyperinflated alveoli). An alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
(AATD) plays an increasing role in the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). AATD is the most common genetic risk factor for COPD.
- Smooth muscle constriction is important to limit the passage of the irritant
deeper into the respiratory tract. Secretion of mucus and release of
inflammatory chemicals are also important to help trap the irritant. In the
disease process, a transition occurs from a protective respiratory response to a
detrimental effect. This occurs with long-term exposure to irritants, with some
genetic components in emphysema, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis.