What is FVC?

Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)

What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio?

<0>

What is GOLD 1 criteria?

Mild

FEV1 >/= 80% predicted

What is GOLD 2 criteria?

Moderate

FEV1 50-79% predicted

What is GOLD 3 criteria?

Severe

FEV1 30-49% predicted

What is GOLD 4 criteria?

Very severe

FEV1 <30>

What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging?

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?

30min/day 5 days/wk of moderate exercise.

If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.

What are PFTs?

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?

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (80-120%)

What are the signal symptoms of COPD?

Dyspnea

Chronic cough w/sputum

Decreased activity tolerance

Wheezing

What are characteristics of COPD?

Common, preventable, treatable.

Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.

Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in airways and 

lungs to noxious particles/gase

Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased airway resistance, small airway 

dz.

Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.

What are risk factors for COPD?

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?

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 use, pursed 

lip breathing, increased expiratory phase, neck vein distention.

How is COPD diagnosed?

Spirometry is gold standard (pre and post bronchodilator).

Irreversible airflow limitation is hallmark.

How is COPD treated?

Bronchodilators: beta agonists (long/short), anticholinergics (long/short), or combo.

What is the MOA of beta agonists?

Stimulates beta-2-adrenergic receptors, increasing cyclic AMP, resulting in relaxing airways.

What is the MOA of anticholinergics?

Block the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic type 3 receptors, resulting in bronchodilation.

Why are long-acting beta agonists prescribed for COPD?

They are for moderate airflow limitation.

They relieve symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, reduce number of exacerbations, improve 

QOL.