WEEK 3 Case Study:
COPD Pathophysiology & Findings
Key Concepts
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
Week 3 Case Study Template
Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease
1. Are the spirometry results consistent with obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease?
What is the most likely pulmonary diagnosis for this patient?
Spirometry is a standard pulmonary function test that measures the amount of air one can
inhale and exhale and the speed and ease at which one can forcefully expire (American Lung
Association, 2023). This test evaluates the forced vital capacity (FVC), the forced expiratory
volume over one second (FEV1), their ratio, and total lung capacity (TLC). The normal ranges
for these values are as follows: FVC 80-120%, FEV1 80-120%, FVC/FEV1 Ratio greater than
70%, and TLC 80-120% (McCance & Huether, 2019). In this scenario, the patient’s FVC was
within the normal range at 93%, but his FEV1 was 64%, FEV1/FVC ratio at 69%, and TLC at
125%. Additionally, his post-bronchodilator response was less than 12%. These results are
indicative of obstructive pulmonary disease.
In addition to these results, the patient reports increasing fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, a
nonproductive cough in the morning, and a 35-pack a year smoking history. Upon exam, his
respiratory rate was 22, pulse oximetry was 93%, and expiratory wheezing with a prolonged
expiratory phase was noted. A chest x-ray revealed hyperinflation bilaterally with a flattened
diaphragm. Considering his presentation and spirometry results, the most likely diagnosis is
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen pulmonary disease.
COPD is an irreversible, inflammatory condition affecting the airways, alveoli, and
pulmonary vasculature (Agarwal et al., 2023). Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, pollution,
hazardous fumes, dust, and chemicals, activate an inflammatory response, causing airway
obstruction and destruction of the lung tissues, such as alveoli. This inflammatory response
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COPD Pathophysiology & Findings
Key Concepts
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
Week 3 Case Study Template
Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease
1. Are the spirometry results consistent with obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease?
What is the most likely pulmonary diagnosis for this patient?
Spirometry is a standard pulmonary function test that measures the amount of air one can
inhale and exhale and the speed and ease at which one can forcefully expire (American Lung
Association, 2023). This test evaluates the forced vital capacity (FVC), the forced expiratory
volume over one second (FEV1), their ratio, and total lung capacity (TLC). The normal ranges
for these values are as follows: FVC 80-120%, FEV1 80-120%, FVC/FEV1 Ratio greater than
70%, and TLC 80-120% (McCance & Huether, 2019). In this scenario, the patient’s FVC was
within the normal range at 93%, but his FEV1 was 64%, FEV1/FVC ratio at 69%, and TLC at
125%. Additionally, his post-bronchodilator response was less than 12%. These results are
indicative of obstructive pulmonary disease.
In addition to these results, the patient reports increasing fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, a
nonproductive cough in the morning, and a 35-pack a year smoking history. Upon exam, his
respiratory rate was 22, pulse oximetry was 93%, and expiratory wheezing with a prolonged
expiratory phase was noted. A chest x-ray revealed hyperinflation bilaterally with a flattened
diaphragm. Considering his presentation and spirometry results, the most likely diagnosis is
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen pulmonary disease.
COPD is an irreversible, inflammatory condition affecting the airways, alveoli, and
pulmonary vasculature (Agarwal et al., 2023). Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, pollution,
hazardous fumes, dust, and chemicals, activate an inflammatory response, causing airway
obstruction and destruction of the lung tissues, such as alveoli. This inflammatory response
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