COPD Nursing Lecture Notes

Question 1

• Most Concerning Finding with COPD:
  • Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute
  • Rationale: Indicates respiratory distress or hypoxemia. A barrel chest and use of accessory muscles are long-term effects. A chronic productive cough is common.

Question 2

• Statement Needing Further Education:
  • Answer: D. Taking over-the-counter cough suppressants
  • Rationale: Patients need to clear mucus from airways. Cough suppressants can worsen lung function.

Question 3

• Highest Priority in COPD Care Plan:
  • Answer: B. Maintaining a patent airway
  • Rationale: Ensures adequate oxygenation; respiratory issues are most life-threatening.

Question 4

• Immediate Action for Cyanosis:
  • Answer: C. Assess oxygen saturation and respiratory rate
  • Rationale: Determines severity of hypoxia and guides further interventions.

Question 5

• Risk Factor for COPD:
  • Answer: C. Occupational dust exposure
  • Rationale: Known risk factor alongside smoking. Exposure to dust and pollutants contributes significantly.

Question 6

• Purpose of Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist:
  • Answer: C. Dilate the airways to improve breathing
  • Rationale: Bronchodilators relax airway muscles for quick relief.

Question 7

• Dietary Recommendation for COPD:
  • Answer: C. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
  • Rationale: Maintains muscle strength, reduces CO2 production.

Question 8

• Finding Supporting COR Pulmonale:
  • Answer: A. Peripheral edema
  • Rationale: Right-sided heart failure due to lung disease causes edema.

Question 9

• Effective Airway Clearance Promotion:
  • Answer: B. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing
  • Rationale: Slows exhalation, prevents airway collapse.

Question 10

• Reason for Smoking Cessation:
  • Answer: C. Decrease progression of COPD
  • Rationale: Most effective way to slow disease progression.

Question 11

• Important MDI Usage Point:
  • Answer: C. Wait 1 minute between puffs
  • Rationale: Allows first dose to settle, second dose more effective.

Question 12

• Medication to Avoid with Productive Cough:
  • Answer: C. Cough suppressants
  • Rationale: They inhibit necessary coughing to clear mucus.

Question 13

• Complication of Advanced COPD:
  • Answer: B. Pneumothorax
  • Rationale: Result of lung tissue destruction.

Question 14

• Indicator for Long-term Oxygen Therapy:
  • Answer: C. PaO2 less than 55 mmHg or SaO2 less than 88%
  • Rationale: Indicates need for supplemental oxygen to maintain tissue oxygenation.

Question 15

• First Action for Increased SOB:
  • Answer: C. Assess lung sounds
  • Rationale: Determines cause, guides interventions.

Question 16

• Understanding of Oxygen Therapy:
  • Answer: B. Use oxygen continuously
  • Rationale: Maintains adequate oxygen levels.

Question 17

• Intervention for Pitting Edema in COPD:
  • Answer: D. Elevate legs when sitting
  • Rationale: Aids venous return, reduces edema.

Question 18

• Symptom Requiring Immediate Attention:
  • Answer: C. Sudden confusion and lethargy
  • Rationale: Indicates acute hypercapnia or hypoxemia.

Question 19

• Action of Tyotropium:
  • Answer: C. Dilate the airways
  • Rationale: Long-acting bronchodilator.

Question 20

• Primary Goal of Pulmonary Rehab:
  • Answer: C. Improve quality of life
  • Rationale: Focuses on symptom management and education.

Question 21

• Appropriate Action for Acute SOB:
  • Answer: D. Position in High Fowler's
  • Rationale: Eases breathing by reducing diaphragm pressure.

Question 22

• Clubbing of Fingers Association:
  • Answer: A. Chronic hypoxemia
  • Rationale: Sign of long-term oxygen deprivation.

Question 23

• Effective Energy Conservation Strategy:
  • Answer: D. Plan frequent rest periods
  • Rationale: Prevents fatigue, preserves energy.

Question 24

• Indication of Secondary Infection:
  • Answer: B. Change in sputum
  • Rationale: Specific for bacterial infections.

Question 25

• Purpose of Spirometry Test:
  • Answer: B. Determine lung obstruction severity
  • Rationale: Measures air volume and flow; key diagnostic tool.