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Clinical manifestations and symptoms

- The main symptoms of COPD are:

  • Dyspnea
  • chronic cough
  • sputum production
  • wheezes

- These symptoms may vary in severity and frequency depending on the stage of the disease, the presence of exacerbations, and the coexistence of other comorbidities.

- Dyspnea is usually progressive and worsens with exertion or emotional stress.

- Chronic cough may be productive or nonproductive and may be worse in the morning or at night.

- Sputum production may be clear, white, yellow, or green depending on the degree of infection or inflammation.

- Wheezes are caused by airway narrowing and may be audible or detected by auscultation.

- Other signs and symptoms of COPD may include:

  • chest tightness
  • fatigue
  • weight loss
  • anorexia
  • cyanosis
  • barrel chest
  • pursed-lip breathing
  • use of accessory muscles
  • tripod position
  • decreased breath sounds
  • crackles
  • rhonchi
  • prolonged expiratory phase
  • cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure)
  • peripheral edema
  • jugular venous distension (JVD)
  • hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
  • ascites (fluid accumulation in abdomen)
  • polycythemia (increased red blood cells)
  • pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in lungs)
  • respiratory failure

Questions on Clinical manifestations and symptoms

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. "Occupational" is not part of the COPD acronym.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Smoking is a significant risk factor, but exposure to secondhand smoke and occupational dust can also increase the risk of developing COPD.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. High fever and chest pain are not typical symptoms of COPD.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. The weakening of the diaphragm is not typically described as the "obstructive" aspect of COPD.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. An increase in lung capacity is not a characteristic of COPD progression; it typically involves reduced lung function.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Shortness of breath in COPD is primarily a physiological response to lung changes, not solely related to anxiety.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Emphysema, a subtype of COPD, is characterized by the destruction of the walls of the air sacs, leading to reduced elasticity and airflow limitation.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. COPD-related inflammation is not related to the skin.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Incorrect. While genetics can play a role, smoking is a significant factor in COPD development.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. A chronic cough is a common symptom of COPD and is directly related to the condition.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Incorrect. A family history of COPD can indeed increase the risk of the condition.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Both outdoor and indoor air quality can impact COPD, but outdoor air pollution can also contribute to symptom exacerbation.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct. Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals is a recognized risk factor for COPD.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. While genetics may have some influence, lifestyle choices, including smoking, can significantly impact COPD risk.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. While age is a factor, other factors such as smoking play significant roles in COPD development.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. A high fever and chills are not typical symptoms of COPD but may be associated with other respiratory or infectious conditions.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) of the lips and fingertips is a sign of hypoxia and indicates exacerbation or worsening of COPD.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Rapid, shallow breathing is a general respiratory symptom and not specific to chronic bronchitis.

Incorrect. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, not the sensation of not getting enough air.

Incorrect. Increased work of breathing typically leads to an increased respiratory rate, not a decreased rate.

Incorrect. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and is not a primary tool for diagnosing COPD.

Incorrect. The test for measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood is typically done through arterial blood gases (ABG) rather than a sputum culture.

Incorrect. Imaging studies are not typically used to monitor the progression of COPD; pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are more suitable for this purpose.

Incorrect. Identifying specific bacteria causing respiratory symptoms is typically done through sputum cultures and sensitivity tests, not ABG tests.

Incorrect. The test for measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood is typically done through arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, not a chest X-ray.

Incorrect. E-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to smoking and can still harm the lungs.

Incorrect. While it can have a calming effect, the primary purpose of pursed-lip breathing is to aid in respiratory function.

Correct. Prioritizing activities and taking rest breaks as needed are key components of energy conservation for individuals with COPD.

Incorrect. There are potential risks associated with oxygen therapy, especially if it is misused or overused.

Incorrect. Bronchodilators do not prevent respiratory infections; they primarily address airway constriction and bronchoconstriction.

Incorrect. E-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to smoking and can still harm the lungs.

Incorrect. While it can have a calming effect, the primary purpose of pursed-lip breathing is to aid in respiratory function.

Correct. Prioritizing activities and taking rest breaks as needed are key components of energy conservation for individuals with COPD.

Incorrect. There are potential risks associated with oxygen therapy, especially if it is misused or overused.

Incorrect. Bronchodilators do not prevent respiratory infections; they primarily address airway constriction and bronchoconstriction.
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