The doctor tells Pam she has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She’s heard of it before but doesn’t know any specifics about COPD. She discovers that it is from smoking and is associated with two conditions, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is when damaged alveoli lose their flexibility, making it harder for them to expand and contract. This causes wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Chronic bronchitis is when the lining of the damaged airways swells, thickens and creates excess mucus. In an attempt to rid the lungs of mucus, coughing, shortness of breath or respiratory infections may occur. Pam is scared when the pulmonologist mentions to her that the damage to her lungs from COPD cannot be reversed and there is no cure for COPD.
The doctor tells Pam that if she follows her COPD management program, she may be able to lead a somewhat normal life. If Pam doesn’t follow the program she could be placed on long-term oxygen therapy. Or, she may have to have some of each lung removed. Pam will also need to pay close attention to her symptoms as they may overlap with symptoms of depression such as fatigue, sadness, and sleeplessness.
| A. Causes spasms in the bronchi of the lungs |
| B. Results in lung scarring |
| C. Blocks airflow and makes breathing difficult |
| D. Begins as a bacterial infection |
| A. Integumentary |
| B. Respiratory |
| C. Nervous |
| D. Endocrine |
| A. Find support to help handle feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, or the stress of managing the disease. |
| B. Develop a nutritional plan to provide the nutrients to help her breathe easier. |
| C. Learn how to reduce exposure to anything that could make her COPD worse. |
| D. Follow a plan to get the right amount and type of exercise. |
| E. All the above |
| A. The flow of air |
| B. Treatment |
| C. Prevention |
| ____ Can slow the progress of COPD |
| ____ If you smoke, quit as soon as possible |
| ____ Normally, the alveoli and capillaries are flexible |