Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders
SWalden
University
NURS 6501- Advanced Pathophysiology
14:03:26 GMT -05:00
, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders
The patient shows symptoms of COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,
which gradually developed to the current condition with pronounced symptoms. Mayo Clinic
(2020) describes the disease as chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by obstructed
pathways to the lungs. It is caused by prolonged exposure to irritating matter, gases, and
smoke. Further, studies report that people with COPD have an increased risk of developing
cardiovascular problems, lung cancer, and other complications.
The patient shows significant symptoms of COPD, such as shortness of breath caused
by reduced airflow into the lungs due to inflammation. She also has a cough with green
sputum, a significant indicator of COPD. Due to COPD, increased sputum in the lungs makes
it difficult for her to expectorate. Medical researchers explain that severe symptoms of COPD
do not appear until the advanced stages of the disease (Felson, 2017). Therefore, the patient
suffers from severe COPD since she had a previous history of the illness and progressively
develops over time.
The Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiologic Processes
The pathophysiologic process of COPD development involves a combination of
peripheral airway inflammation and narrowed airways. Inflammation limits airflow and leads
to the destruction of the alveoli, bronchioles, and capillary tissues. The destruction of
meaningful gas exchange and transfer components leads to limited airflow and a reduced
capacity to transfer gases. The severity of inflammation determines the extent to which the
airflow is restricted, fibrosis of the tissue within the airway, and the secretions present. The
components contribute to reduced exhalation capacity leading to air trapping in the lungs,
shortness of breath, and fatigue (Nursing Times, 2020).
14:03:26 GMT -05:00
SWalden
University
NURS 6501- Advanced Pathophysiology
14:03:26 GMT -05:00
, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders
The patient shows symptoms of COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,
which gradually developed to the current condition with pronounced symptoms. Mayo Clinic
(2020) describes the disease as chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by obstructed
pathways to the lungs. It is caused by prolonged exposure to irritating matter, gases, and
smoke. Further, studies report that people with COPD have an increased risk of developing
cardiovascular problems, lung cancer, and other complications.
The patient shows significant symptoms of COPD, such as shortness of breath caused
by reduced airflow into the lungs due to inflammation. She also has a cough with green
sputum, a significant indicator of COPD. Due to COPD, increased sputum in the lungs makes
it difficult for her to expectorate. Medical researchers explain that severe symptoms of COPD
do not appear until the advanced stages of the disease (Felson, 2017). Therefore, the patient
suffers from severe COPD since she had a previous history of the illness and progressively
develops over time.
The Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiologic Processes
The pathophysiologic process of COPD development involves a combination of
peripheral airway inflammation and narrowed airways. Inflammation limits airflow and leads
to the destruction of the alveoli, bronchioles, and capillary tissues. The destruction of
meaningful gas exchange and transfer components leads to limited airflow and a reduced
capacity to transfer gases. The severity of inflammation determines the extent to which the
airflow is restricted, fibrosis of the tissue within the airway, and the secretions present. The
components contribute to reduced exhalation capacity leading to air trapping in the lungs,
shortness of breath, and fatigue (Nursing Times, 2020).
14:03:26 GMT -05:00
