North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is a primary characteristic of COPD patients?

1. Increased oxygen saturation levels

2. Difficulty eliminating carbon dioxide through exhalation

3. Decreased respiratory rate

4. Frequent respiratory infections

The correct answer is: Difficulty eliminating carbon dioxide through exhalation

A primary characteristic of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is difficulty eliminating carbon dioxide through exhalation. This condition leads to the obstruction of airflow in the lungs, primarily due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. As a result, patients often have a prolonged expiration phase, struggling to expel carbon dioxide effectively, which can lead to carbon dioxide retention in their blood. This characteristic is a fundamental part of the pathology of COPD. The inability to adequately exhale not only affects the levels of carbon dioxide but can also lead to respiratory acidosis if the condition is severe. This represents a significant challenge in the management of COPD, as improper gas exchange results in various symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue. In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the primary issues faced by COPD patients. For instance, individuals with COPD may have decreased oxygen saturation due to poor lung function rather than increased levels. While they might experience varied respiratory rates, many have an increased, not decreased, respiratory rate due to the body trying to compensate for inadequate gas exchange. Frequent respiratory infections can occur due to the nature of the disease, but they are not a defining characteristic of COPD; they are more of a consequence