MedSurgChpt24

incomplete emptying of alveoli during expiration due to loss of lung tissue elasticity (emphysema), bronchospasm (asthma), or airway obstruction

genetic disorders resulting from deficiency of alpha, antitrypsin, a protective agent for the lungs; increases patient's risk for developing panacianr emphysema even in the absence of smoking

a disease with multiple precipitating mechanisms resulting in a common clinical outcome of reversible airflow obstruction; no longer considered a category of COPD

chronic dilation of a bronchus or bronchi; the dilated airways become saaccular and are a medium for chronic infection; no longer considered a category of COPD

a disease of the airways defined as the presence of cough and sputum production for at least a combined total of 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years; a category of COPD

disease state characcterized by airflow limitations that is not fully reversible; sometimes referred to as chronic airway obstruction or chronic obstructive lung disease

a disease of the airway characterized by destruction of the walls of overdistended alveoli; a category of COPD

patient-activated medication canister that provides aerosolized medication that the patient inhales into the lungs

increase in the red blood cell concentration in the blood; in COPD, the body attempts to improve oxygen carrying capacity by producing increasing amounts of red blood cells

pulmonary function tests that measure specific lung volumes (FEV, FVC) and rates (FEF 25-75%); may be measured before and after bronchiodilator administration