NR 601 Midterm Exam Study Guide:
Questions & Answers
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging?(Ans-
- Reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, esp. cardiac, resp,
renal.
- Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems
(i.e. temp control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
- Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater, autoimmune
dz's more prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly?(Ans- 30min/day 5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
What are PFTs?(Ans- Group of tests that provide quantifiable measurement of lung function, used to dx resp abnormalities or assess progression/resolution of lung dz.
What is FEV1?(Ans- Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (80-120%)
What is FVC?(Ans- Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio?(Ans- <0.7 (70%)
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What is GOLD 1 criteria?(Ans- Mild FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria?(Ans- Moderate FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria?(Ans- Severe FEV1 30-49% predicted
What is GOLD 4 criteria?(Ans- Very severe FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD?(Ans- Dyspnea Chronic cough w/sputum Decreased activity tolerance Wheezing
What are characteristics of COPD?(Ans- Common, preventable, treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in airways and lungs to noxious particles/gases
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased airway resistance, small airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli. 2 / 4
What are risk factors for COPD?(Ans- Smoking (increasing w/number of pack years) Second hand smoke Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD?(Ans- May be normal in early states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath sounds,
wheezes at bases, distant heart tones (b/c of hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance), accessory muscle use, pursed lip breathing, increased expiratory phase, neck vein distention.
How is COPD diagnosed?(Ans- Spirometry is gold standard (pre and post bronchodilator).Irreversible airflow limitation is hallmark.
How is COPD treated?
(Ans- Bronchodilators: beta agonists (long/short), anticholinergics
(long/short), or combo.
What is the MOA of beta agonists?(Ans- Stimulates beta-2-adrenergic receptors, increasing cyclic AMP, resulting in relaxing airways.
What is the MOA of anticholinergics?(Ans- Block the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic type 3 receptors, resulting in bronchodilation.
Why are long-acting beta agonists prescribed for COPD?(Ans- They are for moderate airflow limitation.
They relieve symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, reduce number of exacerbations, improve QOL. 3 / 4
What are some non pulmonary diagnoses that result in COPD-type symptoms?(Ans- CHF Hyperventilation syndrome Panic attacks Vocal cord dysfunction Obstructive sleep apnea Aspergillosis Chronic fatigue syndrome
What are signal symptoms of asthma?(Ans- Wheezing Shortness of breath Cough (esp at night) Chest tightness
What is chronic bronchitis?(Ans- Daily chronic cough w/increased sputum for at least 3 consecutive months in at least 2 consecutive years.
Usually worse on wakening.
May or may not be associated with COPD.
What is emphysema?(Ans- Characterized by obstruction to airflow caused by abnormal airspace enlargement distal to terminal bronchioles.
Chronic inflammation/remodeling, trapping air, hindering effective O2/CO2 exchange (all due to inflammatory mediators infiltrating airways).
What are signal symptoms of ischemic heart dz?(Ans- Chest pain
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