Clinical Case # 3 Respiratory System

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Acute Exacerbation

Guide Questions:
Discuss COPD (Emphysema) in terms of:

1. Mechanism of underlying airflow limitation

2. Respiratory muscles involved during an exacerbation
3. Work of Breathing
4. Physical properties that affect lung function
5. Pulmonary Lung Volumes and Capacities
6. Pulmonary Function Test (spirometry) with pre and post bronchodilator
7. Lung diffusing capacity
8. Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio
9. O2-Hgb Dissociation Curve
10. Automatic control of respiration and inspiratory ramp signal
11. Central and peripheral chemoreceptors