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COPD & Emphysema

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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  • COPD is the umbrella term for both diseases.
  • Emphysema is alveolar collapse and chronic bronchitis is inflamed bronchioles/bronchi with lots of mucus.
  • Both have “air trapped in lungs” 
  • Risks: Smoking is number 1, old age, and exposure to pollution, chemicals, & dust.
  • Diagnosis: Chest xray, Pulmonary function tests, ABG will show chronic compensated respiratory acidosis. Oxygen saturations < 90% on room air
  • Treatment: no smoking, low oxygen therapy to keep sats 90-92% & bronchodilators.
  • Pay attention. Low Oxygen because it is hypoxia that drives clients to breathe since they have chronic elevated pCO2. Normally, it is high CO2 that tells us to breathe, but in COPD, it is hypoxia.
  • If you put a COPD in high oxygen, they will stop breathing. NCLEX
  • Only use 2.5 NC. Never more. Unless, of course, they are severely hypoxic and about to be intubated.
  • You could also use a venti mask since you can adjust the amount of oxygen delivered. Remember that room air is 21%.