A nursing student is taking a pathophysiology examination. Which of the following factors would the student correctly identify a
s contributing to the underlying pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? a) Decreased goblet cells
b) Mucus secretions that block airways
c) Overinflated alveoli that impair gas exchange
d) Inflamed airways that obstruct airflow
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a life threatening condition in which the lungs gets affected and the ability of the lungs to breathe decreases.
In this case there is a damage in the airways and the tiny air sacs in the lungs. There is an excess of mucus secretion that ultimately hinders the airways causing difficulty in breathing.
The alveoli is also affected as the bronchi oles and alveoli gets narrow which affects the breathing pattern. The inflammation of the air ways also causes the obstruction in the airflow which causes difficulty in breathing.
Hence, the option B, C and D are all the pathophysiology examination of patient suffering from COPD.
