Case Study
A 50-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung disease. On review of the chart, the nurse noted the patient is both hypoxic and has an elevated carbon dioxide level. When examining the patient, the nurse notes an increased respiratory effort and use of accessory muscles.
1. What is compliance, resistance, and residual volume as it relates to COPD.
2. In patients with chronic obstructive disease, there is a decreased surface area for diffusion. Explain how that will impact diffusion and how that relates to the hypoxia and elevated carbon dioxide.
3. Explain the difference between the function of the central and peripheral chemoreceptors.