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COPD Study Guide for NCLEX & Med-Surg Nursing
1. Overview of COPD
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a progressive
respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation that is not
fully reversible.
It includes two main conditions:
1. Chronic Bronchitis
2. Emphysema
COPD causes air trapping, impaired gas exchange, and chronic
inflammation of the airways.
2. Key NCLEX Definition
COPD = Chronic inflammation + mucus production + alveolar
destruction → airflow obstruction
3. Types of COPD
1. Chronic Bronchitis
Definition:
Inflammation of bronchi with excess mucus production.
Diagnostic criteria:
Productive cough for ≥3 months for 2 consecutive years
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Key Features
• Thick mucus
• Persistent cough
• Cyanosis
• Frequent infections
Nickname:
“Blue Bloater”
2. Emphysema
Definition:
Destruction of alveoli and elastic lung tissue leading to air trapping.
Key Features
• Dyspnea
• Barrel chest
• Minimal cough
• Weight loss
Nickname:
“Pink Puffer”
4. Causes and Risk Factors
Major causes include:
• Smoking (most common)
• Air pollution
• Occupational chemicals
• Secondhand smoke
• Genetics (Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
COPD Study Guide for NCLEX & Med-Surg Nursing
1. Overview of COPD
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a progressive
respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation that is not
fully reversible.
It includes two main conditions:
1. Chronic Bronchitis
2. Emphysema
COPD causes air trapping, impaired gas exchange, and chronic
inflammation of the airways.
2. Key NCLEX Definition
COPD = Chronic inflammation + mucus production + alveolar
destruction → airflow obstruction
3. Types of COPD
1. Chronic Bronchitis
Definition:
Inflammation of bronchi with excess mucus production.
Diagnostic criteria:
Productive cough for ≥3 months for 2 consecutive years
, 2|Page
Key Features
• Thick mucus
• Persistent cough
• Cyanosis
• Frequent infections
Nickname:
“Blue Bloater”
2. Emphysema
Definition:
Destruction of alveoli and elastic lung tissue leading to air trapping.
Key Features
• Dyspnea
• Barrel chest
• Minimal cough
• Weight loss
Nickname:
“Pink Puffer”
4. Causes and Risk Factors
Major causes include:
• Smoking (most common)
• Air pollution
• Occupational chemicals
• Secondhand smoke
• Genetics (Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
