Unit 15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, let's take this term and look at each word. Chronic meaning long term, something that must be managed as it is not resolvable. Obstructive meaning that something is in the way, in this case blocking the airway. Pulmonary refers to the lungs. So this is a disease of the lungs that is long term and not curable where the lungs and airways are blocked. The bronchioles are blocked due to inflammation and mucus. The alveoli (tiny air sacs) are coated with mucus and tar or other substances resulting in the death of the alveoli. Emphysema is another term used for COPD. The #1 cause is smoking but can also be caused from breathing in silica or other harmful particles. Notice the symptoms- shortness of breath, tiredness, edema (swelling), dyspnea (difficulty breathing). These residents will need frequent rest periods between activity, such as pausing to rest for a few minutes when walking to the dining room.
