COPD
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Respiratoryhigh priorityneeds review
COPD
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Chronic airflow limitation from smoking, environmental exposure, or genetic risk.
- Air trapping and poor gas exchange cause chronic dyspnea and exacerbations.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bronchodilators | Opens airways and reduces symptoms. |
| Corticosteroids | May reduce inflammation in exacerbations or maintenance plans. |
Nursing actions
- Position upright, coach pursed-lip breathing, and assess oxygenation.
- Administer oxygen as ordered and monitor CO2 retention risk based on protocol.
- Teach infection prevention, vaccines, and smoking cessation.
Complications
- Respiratory failure
- Pneumonia
- Cor pulmonale
- Pneumothorax
NCLEX cues
- Barrel chest, pursed lips, chronic productive cough.
- Increasing somnolence can signal CO2 retention.
Memory hooks
- COPD traps air; exhale slowly.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.