Question

The nurse is providing oxygen to two children, one to increase gas exchange and the other because of an obstructed airway. For which disorder would supplemental oxygen be used for something other than these two reasons?

A) Severe pneumonia
B) Bronchiolitis
C) Pneumothorax
D) Chronic lung disorder

Answer 1

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the condition where supplemental oxygen is used to aid breathing due to damaged lung tissue leading to trapped air and poor gas exchange, not primarily caused by gas exchange impairment due to fluid or an obstructed airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

The disorder for which supplemental oxygen would be used for something other than increasing gas exchange due to obstructed airways or severe pneumonia is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by a breakdown of the connective tissues in the lungs, which reduces the number and elasticity of alveoli, leading to trapped air in the lungs and hampered gas exchange. This often results from long-term smoking and results in symptoms like chronic poor airflow and a productive cough. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments focus on managing symptoms and slowing progression, and supplemental oxygen can help alleviate the low oxygen levels in the blood.