ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which conditions are classified as examples of COPD?

1. Bronchitis only

2. Bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema only

3. Pulmonary emphysema and asthma only

4. Bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and asthma

The correct answer is: Bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and asthma

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities typically caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. The conditions that fall under the umbrella of COPD include both chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to mucus production and persistent cough, while emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli and impaired gas exchange. Asthma is primarily an inflammatory condition that causes reversible airway obstruction, which distinguishes it from the irreversible nature of COPD conditions. However, both asthma and COPD can coexist in some patients, leading to the term "asthma-COPD overlap syndrome." Therefore, the correct answer includes bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and acknowledges the clinical scenarios where asthma may also be implicated in the broader context of airway diseases, although asthma by itself is not classified as a COPD condition. This comprehensive understanding of the relationship between these diseases clarifies why the answer includes all three conditions.