COPD Quiz: Can You Manage The Breathless Patient?

1. Which inhaled corticosteroid is most appropriate for maintenance therapy in moderate COPD?

Albuterol alone

Fluticasone/salmeterol combination

Ipratropium alone

Cromolyn sodium

2. Which vaccine is recommended for all COPD patients?

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines

Measles and polio vaccines only

No vaccines needed for COPD

COVID-19 vaccine contraindicated in COPD

3. A COPD patient receiving mechanical ventilation develops increased peak airway pressures. What is the most likely cause?

Tube malposition or obstruction from secretions

Adequate sedation and muscle relaxation

Low respiratory rate setting

Proper synchronization with ventilator

4. Which assessment finding is characteristic of 'blue bloater' COPD phenotype?

Cyanosis, cor pulmonale, and right heart failure signs

Barrel chest and pursed-lip breathing

Low body weight and minimal sputum

Normal chest X-ray and mild dyspnea

5. A COPD patient uses home oxygen. Which safety measure is most critical?

Store oxygen near heat sources for quick access

No smoking or open flames near oxygen supply

Increase flow rate if dyspnea worsens

Use humidified oxygen only at night

6. A COPD patient is prescribed prophylactic antibiotics. When is this most appropriate?

During winter months to prevent infection

Only during acute exacerbations

For recurrent exacerbations (≥3 per year) with bacterial cause

Continuously for all COPD patients

7. Which finding indicates poor prognosis in COPD?

Low body mass index and elevated CO2

Stable FEV1 and compliance with therapy

Regular exercise and normal appetite

Quit smoking and normal blood pressure

8. A COPD patient uses a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What is the correct technique?

Inhale quickly and hold breath for 2 seconds

Exhale fully, seal lips around mouthpiece, inhale slowly, hold 5–10 seconds

Use a rapid, shallow breathing pattern after actuation

Repeat doses immediately without waiting between inhalations

9. Which patient teaching point is essential for COPD self-management?

Avoid all physical activity to conserve energy

Recognize early signs of exacerbation and seek prompt care

Use rescue inhalers before meals

Sleep in a flat position to improve ventilation

10. A COPD patient reports orthopnea and ankle edema. What complication should be assessed?

Acute respiratory infection

Cor pulmonale and right heart failure

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Acute coronary syndrome

11. Which pathophysiologic change occurs first in COPD?

Loss of elastic recoil in lung tissue

Increased mucus production and airway inflammation

Cor pulmonale development

Polycythemia from chronic hypoxia

12. A COPD patient on theophylline reports nausea and tremor. What is the priority action?

Administer an antiemetic and continue the dose

Check theophylline serum level; toxicity may be present

Increase fluid intake to dilute the drug

Switch to a different bronchodilator immediately

13. Which nursing intervention best reduces airway obstruction in COPD?

Encourage supine positioning for comfort

Position upright or semi-Fowler; teach pursed-lip breathing

Limit fluid intake to reduce secretions

Apply high-flow oxygen continuously

14. A patient with COPD has arterial blood gas results: pH 7.32, PaCO2 58, HCO3 28. What acid-base disturbance is present?

Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation

Respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation

Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation

Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation

15. Which finding suggests acute exacerbation of COPD?

Stable FEV1 and normal sputum color

Increased sputum volume, purulent sputum, and dyspnea

Decreased respiratory rate and clear lung sounds

Improved exercise tolerance and appetite

16. A COPD patient uses a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) inhaler. Which instruction is correct?

Use before long-acting agents for best effect

Rinse mouth after each use to prevent fungal infection

Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhaling

Use only when experiencing acute symptoms

17. When administering oxygen to a COPD patient, why is high-concentration oxygen dangerous?

It causes acute pulmonary edema

It removes hypoxic drive to breathe

It increases CO2 retention immediately

It triggers severe bronchospasm

18. Which oxygen delivery method is appropriate for a COPD patient with severe hypoxemia?

Nasal cannula at 6 L/min

Non-rebreather mask at 10–15 L/min

Venturi mask at 24–28% FiO2

Simple face mask at 5–8 L/min

19. A patient with COPD reports dyspnea at rest. Which assessment finding is most consistent with severe disease?

FEV1 > 50% predicted

FEV1 < 30% predicted

SpO2 94% on room air

Normal breath sounds bilaterally

COPD Quiz: Can You Manage the Breathless Patient?