Question

A nurse has been asked to give a workshop on COPD for a local community group. The nurse emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation because smoking has what pathophysiologic effect?

A) Increases the amount of mucus production
B) Destabilizes hemoglobin
C) Shrinks the alveoli in the lungs
D) Collapses the alveoli in the lungs

Answer 1

Smoking leads to the breakdown of alveolar walls, reducing the surface area for gas exchange in the lungs, which is a pathophysiologic effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Step-by-step explanation:

Smoking cigarettes can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One of the pathophysiologic effects of smoking is the breakdown of alveolar walls, which reduces the surface area for gas exchange in the lungs. This leads to a permanent and often fatal reduction in lung capacity. The chronic inflammation present in COPD is also exacerbated by tobacco smoke, further contributing to the damage.