Take the Test

1. Which finding is characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

• a. Greater absorption of oxygen by the lungs
• b. Airflow obstruction in the lungs
• c. Acute lung injury
• d. Increased lung reserve capacity

2. Which statement best explains why an older adult patient who stopped smoking five years ago after smoking for many years is experiencing greater-than-normal difficulty breathing now?

• a. The patient’s advanced age is compromising their breathing ability.
• b. The presence of a respiratory infection could be causing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• c. The patient is probably still smoking, just not as much as before.
• d. The course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is irreversible, with symptoms sometimes delayed until later in life.

3. Which statement describes the breathing of a patient with normal lungs?

• a. The lungs are completely empty after exhalation.
• b. Some air is left inside the lungs after exhalation.
• c. Saliva and postnasal drip move down into the airways.
• d. The airways of the lungs maintain a dry environment.

4. Which finding characterizes the emphysema form of COPD?

• a. Destruction of alveoli, decreased lung tissue elasticity, and hyperinflated lungs
• b. Chronic cough, excess sputum production, and increased lung area for gas exchange
• c. Development of compensatory pulmonary capillaries and alveoli
• d. Destruction of proximal airway structures and deflated lungs

5. Which statement is true regarding a person with asthma who also smokes cigarettes?

• a. They are protected somewhat from developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• b. They are less likely than a nonsmoker to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• c. They are more likely than a nonsmoker to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• d. They are at equal risk with a nonsmoker to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

6. Which patient statement indicates an understanding of why fatigue occurs with chronic emphysema?

• a. “I’m going to have to take it easy; I must be exerting myself too much.”
• b. “I guess my lungs are deflated all the time and there’s no room for air in there.”
• c. “My lungs are working so hard trying to get the air in and out.”
• d. “Maybe I need some iron pills.”

7. Which statement best describes coughing associated with COPD?

• a. It typically develops later than dyspnea due to COPD.
• b. It is usually worse toward the end of the day.
• c. It is the most common symptom found in patients with early COPD.
• d. It usually produces copious amounts of sputum early in the disease.

8. For which reason do patients with emphysematous COPD tend to sit in a tripod position?

• a. Concentrate on what is being said to them
• b. Expectorate mucus or phlegm
• c. Maintain a neutral sitting position
• d. Expand the chest to breathe more easily

9. Which education does the clinician provide to patients with COPD regarding energy conservation?

• a. “Finish tasks quickly so you can rest.”
• b. “Stand while performing tasks in order to improve your strength.”
• c. “Rest before and after activities, as needed.”
• d. “Avoid showering or bathing in the evening.”

10. By which means is nicotine replacement therapy effective in helping patients to stop smoking?

• a. Creates a placebo effect
• b. Eases the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine
• c. Provides an alternative product that must be taken long-term
• d. Replaces an addiction to cigarettes with an addiction to pure nicotine

11. Which education does the clinician provide when teaching a patient pursed-lip breathing?

• a. “Breathe in for twice as long as breathing out.”
• b. “Inhale through the mouth with pursed lips, creating a whistling noise.”
• c. “Breathe out for the count of two.”
• d. “Exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips for 4 to 6 seconds.”

12. Which pharmacologic therapy is used most regularly in patients with COPD?

• a. Bronchodilators
• b. Corticosteroids
• c. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
• d. Mucolytic agents

13. Which statement is correct regarding oxygen therapy for patients with COPD?

• a. Supplemental oxygen is not routinely prescribed for patients with an oxygenation saturation greater than 89%.
• b. Supplemental oxygen does not improve survival rates in patients with COPD who are asymptomatic.
• c. Long-term oxygen therapy is not recommended for patients with pulmonary hypertension, peripheral edema, or polycythemia.
• d. Oxygen therapy is inexpensive and therefore recommended for all COPD patients.

14. Which statement is correct regarding lung volume reduction surgery?

• a. The surgery is not performed on patients over the age of 55.
• b. Patients typically cannot exercise at all after the surgery.
• c. The surgery involves removing a whole lung to improve airflow.
• d. Air leakage from the lungs into the chest is a major complication.

15. Which factor is a common trigger for an acute exacerbation of COPD?

• a. Myocardial infarction
• b. Rare medical conditions
• c. Nausea and vomiting
• d. Respiratory infection