Question

The clinic nurse is caring for a client who has just been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client asks the nurse what COPD means. What would be the nurse's best response?

a. "It is an umbrella term for diseases like acute bronchitis."

b. "It means that the lungs have been damaged in such a way that there is limited airflow in and out of the lungs."

c. "It means your lungs can't expand and contract like they are supposed to which makes it hard for you to breathe."

d. "It is a term that covers so many lung diseases I can't list them all."

Answer 1

COPD is a chronic lung condition involving restricted airflow due to damaged lung tissue and alveoli. Smoking is the primary cause and treatments only alleviate symptoms. The nurse should explain that COPD limits the lungs' ability to exhale air, not just cover a range of lung diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

When explaining Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to a client, it is best to convey that COPD is a chronic condition characterized by restricted airflow in and out of the lungs. The condition encompasses diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where the lung tissue and alveoli are damaged. This damage leads to difficulty fully exhaling air from the lungs, causing shortness of breath and a productive cough. Over time, this can significantly impair a person's ability to carry out everyday activities due to the loss of lung elasticity and reduced alveolar surface area for gas exchange.

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but other factors such as air pollution and genetics can contribute. Treatments like supplemental oxygen and inhaled bronchodilators may mitigate symptoms, but there is no cure for COPD. Thus, quitting smoking is crucial for delaying the progression of the disease.