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COPD Simulation Activity
1. COPD is disease in which the patients have emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The patient’s
alveoli become destroyed which leads the air sacs to lose their elasticity and become stretched
out (Mayo Foundation 2017). When the patient’s lungs become stretched out and it becomes
harder for the patient to breath. This causes the patient to have a hard time breathing out carbon
dioxide and have hard time getting oxygen in. The patient’s bronchi also become inflamed
which causes the patient to have a hard time dislodging mucus from their chest and this leads to
the patient having a hard time breathing as well (ATI Nursing Education 2016). Some signs and
symptoms of COPD are wheezing, shortness of breath, patient has a barrel chest, coughing,
cyanosis, and mucus build up (Mayo Foundation 2017).
2. Some of the risk factors that are associated with COPD are both environmental and physical.
One environmental risk factor would be if the person had been exposed to air pollution. A
physical risk factor if the patient is Alpha-antitrypsin deficient. However, one the highest risk
factors for this disease is if the patient smokes cigarettes; a modifiable factor (ATI Nursing
Education 2016).
3. The patient would be encouraged to change some of their behaviors such as ceasing
smoking and using protective equipment when its necessary during their daily lives. Another
way the patient can manage their COPD is through keeping update on their vaccinations such
as the flu and pneumonia (ATI Nursing Education 2016). Patient would also be encouraged to
take their medications such as their inhalers and their anti-inflammatories.
