Author Question: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pathological condition resulting from exposure to ... (Read 77 times)

asd123 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pathological condition resulting from exposure to irritants (especially tobacco smoke). The primary signs of COPD are

a. Coughing and cyanosis
b. Coughing and dyspnea
c. Coughing and a bright pink color from the carbon dioxide
d. Coughing and hemoptysis

Question 2

Ruth Blake, 76 years old, fell at home and fractured her hip. She was admitted to a long-term care facility on the second day after surgery. She has become increasingly confused and agitated since admission.

She has tried to get out of her bed and was found walking in the hall during the night. Mrs. Blake's symptoms could be related to abrupt withdrawal of which of the following?
a. Alcohol
b. Antibiotics
c. Non-narcotic analgesics
d. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

soda0602 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The lungs become hyperinflated and the diaphragm flattens in a patient with COPD. The patient needs to use the abdominal and intercostal muscles to breathe. Use of these muscles requires more energy than use of the diaphragm, and this causes the dyspnea. Coughing is a classic symptom of COPD and is due to damage of the alveoli.

Answer to Question 2

A
Acute confusion and agitated behavior are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Mrs. Blake's fall at home could also be related to alcohol use. Abrupt discontinuation of the medications in responses B, C, and D is not related to confusion or agitated behaviors.