Question

An older adult hospitalized for several days with dyspnea is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client asks the nurse to explain the condition. Which information would the nurse include?

1) COPD is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and other microbes that destroy the lung tissue.
2) COPD is not curable and will affect the client in later years.
3) COPD is an inflammation of the bronchi.
4) COPD is shortness of air that is caused by aspiration of gastric contents and inhalation of toxic or irritating gases.

Answer 1

COPD is characterized by poor airflow and difficulty breathing due to damage to the lungs' connective tissues from smoking. The disease is not curable, but its progression can be managed with treatments that alleviate symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

To explain chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the client, the nurse would include information that COPD is a lung disease characterized by chronic poor airflow, which causes shortness of breath and a productive cough. It is most often caused by tobacco smoking, which leads to the breakdown of connective tissues in the lungs and a reduction in the number and elasticity of alveoli, making it impossible to fully exhale air from the lungs. This results in trapped air and hampered gas exchange, leading to lower oxygen levels and excess carbon dioxide in the blood. Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD, but treatments such as supplemental oxygen and inhaled bronchodilators can reduce symptoms.

The correct information to provide would be option 2: COPD is not curable and will affect the client in later years, reflecting the chronic nature and progression of this disease.