Question

Your COPD patient has an FEV1 of 28%. What is the classification of airflow limitation severity? A) Gold 1: Mild B) Gold 2: Moderate C) Gold 3: Severe D) Gold 4: Very Severe

Answer 1

A patient with COPD and an FEV1 of 28% is classified under Gold 4: Very Severe. This is based on spirometry measurements, with lower FEV1 percentages indicative of greater obstructive airflow limitation.

Step-by-step explanation:

With an FEV1 of 28%, your patient with COPD falls into the classification of Gold 4: Very Severe. This classification is based on spirometry measurements, specifically the forced expiratory volume (FEV1), which measures how much air a person can force out of their lungs in one second. In the context of COPD, lower FEV1 percentages reflect a greater severity of airflow limitation.

Pulmonary diseases can be restrictive or obstructive, and COPD as an example of a obstructive disease where airways get narrowed making it difficult for air to exit. In the case of such diseases, the FEV1/FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) ratio reduces signifying the presence of obstruction. Your patient's FEV1 measurement, being less than 30% of the predicted value, signifies a very severe situation.

Learn more about COPD classification