Page 1 of 81
Summary NR601 / NR-601 Midterm Review Notes
(Latest 2025): Primary Care of the Maturing & Aged
Family Practicum - Chamberlain
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging?
.....ANSWER.....1. Reduced physiological reserve of most body
systems, esp. cardiac, resp, renal.
2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory
systems (i.e. temp control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
3. Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater,
autoimmune dz's more prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly?
.....ANSWER.....30min/day 5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
,Page 2 of 81
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
What are PFTs? .....ANSWER.....Group of tests that provide
quantifiable measurement of lung function, used to dx resp
abnormalities or assess progression/resolution of lung dz.
What is FEV1? .....ANSWER.....Forced Expiratory Volume in 1
second (80-120%)
What is FVC? .....ANSWER.....Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio? .....ANSWER.....<0.7 (70%)
What is GOLD 1 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Mild
FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Moderate
FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Severe
FEV1 30-49% predicted
,Page 3 of 81
What is GOLD 4 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Very severe
FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD? .....ANSWER.....Dyspnea
Chronic cough w/sputum
Decreased activity tolerance
Wheezing
What are characteristics of COPD? .....ANSWER.....Common,
preventable, treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic
inflammatory response in airways and lungs to noxious
particles/gases
, Page 4 of 81
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased
airway resistance, small airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.
What are risk factors for COPD? .....ANSWER.....Smoking
(increasing w/number of pack years)
Second hand smoke
Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD? .....ANSWER.....May be
normal in early states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath
sounds, wheezes at bases, distant heart tones (b/c of
hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance), accessory muscle
Summary NR601 / NR-601 Midterm Review Notes
(Latest 2025): Primary Care of the Maturing & Aged
Family Practicum - Chamberlain
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging?
.....ANSWER.....1. Reduced physiological reserve of most body
systems, esp. cardiac, resp, renal.
2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory
systems (i.e. temp control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
3. Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater,
autoimmune dz's more prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly?
.....ANSWER.....30min/day 5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
,Page 2 of 81
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
What are PFTs? .....ANSWER.....Group of tests that provide
quantifiable measurement of lung function, used to dx resp
abnormalities or assess progression/resolution of lung dz.
What is FEV1? .....ANSWER.....Forced Expiratory Volume in 1
second (80-120%)
What is FVC? .....ANSWER.....Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio? .....ANSWER.....<0.7 (70%)
What is GOLD 1 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Mild
FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Moderate
FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Severe
FEV1 30-49% predicted
,Page 3 of 81
What is GOLD 4 criteria? .....ANSWER.....Very severe
FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD? .....ANSWER.....Dyspnea
Chronic cough w/sputum
Decreased activity tolerance
Wheezing
What are characteristics of COPD? .....ANSWER.....Common,
preventable, treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic
inflammatory response in airways and lungs to noxious
particles/gases
, Page 4 of 81
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased
airway resistance, small airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.
What are risk factors for COPD? .....ANSWER.....Smoking
(increasing w/number of pack years)
Second hand smoke
Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD? .....ANSWER.....May be
normal in early states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath
sounds, wheezes at bases, distant heart tones (b/c of
hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance), accessory muscle
