NCLEX Review: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) - Part 1

Overview

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisteredNurseAriene.com
• Content: Part 1 of a 2-series video on COPD
  • Covers: Pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, types, and diagnosis of COPD
  • Part 2 will cover medications and nursing interventions
• Additional Resources: Quiz and notes available

Definition of COPD

• A pulmonary disease causing chronic obstruction of airflow from the lungs
• Key Points:
  • Limited airflow due to chronic inflammation and deformation of bronchioles
  • Excessive mucus production limiting oxygen intake and CO2 exhalation
  • Loss of elasticity in alveolar sacs causing improper gas exchange
  • COPD is irreversible, no cure, varies in severity
  • Managed with lifestyle changes and medications

Causes of COPD

• Most common cause: Environmental factors
  • Smoking is a major cause
  • Air pollution and occupational hazards (e.g., welding without protection)
• Develops gradually, symptoms often appear in middle age

Types of COPD

• Chronic Bronchitis: Referred to as "Blue Bloaters"
  • Cyanosis due to hypoxemia; possible edema
  • Leads to right-sided heart failure
• Emphysema: Referred to as "Pink Puffers"
  • Less cyanosis; characterized by hyperventilation

Pathophysiology

• Healthy Lung: Normal gas exchange involves inflating/deflating alveolar sacs
• Chronic Bronchitis Lung:
  • Inflammation and mucus in bronchioles obstruct airflow
  • Hyperinflation of lungs, diaphragm flattening, use of accessory muscles
• Emphysema Lung:
  • Loss of elasticity in alveolar sacs
  • Retention of CO2, low oxygen levels

Signs and Symptoms

• Mnemonic: LUNG DAMAGE
  • L: Lack of energy
  • U: Unable to tolerate activity
  • N: Nutrition poor
  • G: Gases abnormal
  • D: Dry or productive cough
  • A: Accessory muscle usage
  • A: Abnormal lung sounds
  • M: Modification of skin color
  • A: Anterior-posterior diameter increase
  • G: Gets in tripod position
  • E: Extreme dyspnea

Complications

• Heart disease, particularly heart failure
• Pneumothorax (spontaneous lung collapse)
• Lung infections and increased risk of lung cancer

Diagnosis

• Spirometry: Key diagnostic test
  • Measures lung volume and air exhalation rate
  • Looks at Force Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV)
  • Low readings indicate disease severity

Conclusion

• For more details on medications and nursing interventions, refer to Part 2
• NCLEX review quiz available for practice
• Encourages subscribing to the channel for more content