Question

An 80-year-old male is brought to the emergency department with an exacerbation of chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He states that he quit smoking 30 years ago, so it can't be COPD.
He argues, "It's just these colds I've been getting. They're just getting worse and worse." The nurse understands that:
A. These symptoms are more associated with normal aging than with disease.
B. Older adults do not have to alter physical activity because of physical changes.
C. The patient's age will require adjustment of lifestyle to one of inactivity.
D. Older adults usually are aware and accepting of the aging process.

Answer 1

COPD is a progressive lung disease associated with past smoking, with symptoms that are not simply due to aging. Lifestyle adjustments, not cessation of activity, are necessary, and misconceptions about aging and COPD among the elderly are prevalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse understands that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive lung disease that is not solely caused by active smoking. While the 80-year-old man quit smoking 30 years ago, the damage from smoking can lead to the development of COPD years after cessation. The breakdown of alveolar walls, reduction in surface area for gas exchange, and the loss of lung elasticity characteristic of COPD impede the ability to exhale fully and contribute to symptoms like chronic cough and shortness of breath. It is important to note, symptoms such as these are not just a part of normal aging and are indicative of an underlying disease process.

Moreover, the belief that older adults must completely cease physical activity is incorrect. While adjustments in lifestyle may be necessary, maintaining an appropriate level of activity is beneficial for overall health, and the perception that all older adults accept the aging process is not universally accurate. Education and empathy are essential in communicating with patients about their conditions and in addressing misconceptions about diseases like COPD.