Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Course Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction. The underlying abnormalities may involve the conducting airways, terminal bronchioles, alveoli, pulmonary vessels, or a combination of these structures.

Continuing Education Credit Designation

This educational activity is credited for 4 contact hours at completion of the activity.

Overview

After completing this course, the nurse will be able to recognize COPD risk factors and clinical findings, explain spirometric confirmation, and assess symptoms, exacerbation history, oxygenation, comorbidities, and functional status. The nurse will also be able to support evidence-based medication and nonpharmacologic treatment, identify acute deterioration, implement safe oxygen and escalation measures, and teach inhaler use, prevention, and self-management.

Objectives

Upon completion of this independent study, the learner will be able to:

1. Explain how airway inflammation, emphysema, mucus hypersecretion, and loss of elastic recoil produce persistent airflow obstruction and hyperinflation.
2. Differentiate COPD symptoms and risk factors from findings that require evaluation for asthma, heart failure, infection, malignancy, or another diagnosis.
3. Interpret the role of post-bronchodilator spirometry, symptom assessment, exacerbation history, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas testing, imaging, and laboratory studies in COPD care.
4. Apply evidence-based principles for bronchodilator therapy, inhaled corticosteroid use, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, smoking cessation, and preventive care.
5. Prioritize nursing interventions for a suspected COPD exacerbation, including controlled oxygen, medication administration, reassessment, and escalation for respiratory failure.
6. Develop individualized teaching on inhaler technique, symptom monitoring, action plans, activity, nutrition, exposure reduction, and follow-up care.

Who this course is for:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical or vocational nurses, and other healthcare providers in any setting who want continuing education on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Course outline

11 sections · finish in any order across devices

1. 1

   Introduction

2. 2

   Lung Anatomy and Physiology

3. 3

   What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

4. 4

   Lung Variations in COPD

5. 5

   Causes of COPD

6. 6

   Diagnosing COPD

7. 7

   Common COPD Treatment Options

8. 8

   COPD Exacerbation

9. 9

   Self-Management of COPD

10. 10

    Nursing Considerations

11. 11

    Conclusion

This Course Satisfies

Requirement summaries come from our state requirement records. All Users of Fast CE For Less’s website and content are responsible for knowing their state’s license and renewal requirements.

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