Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs. The main cause is long-term cigarette smoking which damages the lungs over time. Other irritants like secondhand smoke or air pollution can also contribute. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chronic cough, and more frequent respiratory infections. Treatment focuses on smoking cessation to prevent further damage, along with medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes. Nurses educate patients on avoiding smoking and pollution to help manage the condition.

1. COPD
Ali Gutierrez
Alexandra Silguero

2. Pathophysiology
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a
chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed
airflow from the lungs.
Patients with COPD are at increased risk of developing
heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other
conditions.

3. Clinical Manifestations

4. Causes of COPD
 In the vast majority of
cases, the lung damage
that leads to COPD is
caused by long-term
cigarette smoking.
 Other irritants can cause
COPD, including cigar
smoke, secondhand
smoke, pipe smoke, air
pollution and workplace
exposure to dust, smoke
or fumes.

5. Complications of COPD
 Respiratory infections. Patients with COPD are more
susceptible to colds, the flu and pneumonia. Any
respiratory infection can make it much more difficult to
breathe and could cause further damage to lung tissue.
 Heart problems. COPD increases your risk of heart
disease, including heart attack. Quitting smoking
markedly reduces this risk.
 Lung cancer. Smokers with chronic bronchitis have a
greater risk of developing lung cancer than do smokers
who don't have chronic bronchitis. Quitting smoking
also markedly reduces this risk.

6. Treatment for COPD
 Smoking Cessation: The most essential step in any
treatment plan for COPD is to stop all smoking. It's the
only way to keep COPD from getting worse.
 Medications: Bronchodilators, Inhaled Steroids,
Theophylline, and Antibiotics are a few of the
medications given for COPD.
 Oxygen Therapy: If there isn't enough oxygen in the
blood, patient may need supplemental
 oxygen.

7. Lifestyle Changes

8. Nursing Interventions
 Administer prescribed medications, which may include
antibiotics, broncodilators, mucolytic agents and
corticosteroids. Opioids, sedatives and tranquilizers,
which can further depress respirations, should be
avoided.
 Administer oxygen. A low arterial oxygen level is the
client’s primary drive for breathing. Oxygen flow rate
should be no more than 2 to 3 L per minute. Higher
levels will cause the client to quit breathing.
 Discuss the importance of smoking cessation and
avoiding second-hand smoke.

9. Concept: Gas Exchange
The process by which
oxygen is transported to
cells and carbon dioxide is
transported from cells. (G)
Antecedents
 Adequate Functioning of
Respiratory System
 Adequate Perfusion
 Adequate Neurologic
 Adequate Cardiovascular
 Efficient Cellular
Metabolism
Attributes
 Respiratory Rate WNL
 Oxygen Saturation > 94%
 PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg
 Age Appropriate Level of
Consciousness

11. References
Ackley, B., & Ladwig, G. (2014). Nursing diagnosis handbook:
An evidence-based guide to planning care (10th ed.). Maryland
Heights, MO: Elsevier.
Lewis, S., & Dirksen, S. (2014). Medical-surgical nursing:
Assessment and management of clinical problems (Ninth ed.). St.
Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Pagana, K., & Pagana, T. (2014). Mosby's manual of diagnostic
and laboratory tests (Fifth ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
COPD. (2015). Retrieved November 7, 2015, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/COPD/basics/definition/con-20022849