Which one of the following is a common cause of C.O.P.D.?

UPPSC 2022

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of progressive lung diseases characterized by airflow limitation.
The two main conditions that fall under the COPD diagnosis are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Chronic bronchitis is defined by a long-term productive cough resulting from inflammation and excess mucus in the bronchial tubes.
Because it is a primary component of the disease complex, chronic bronchitis is considered a direct cause of a COPD diagnosis.

Option B: Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). While it can cause significant lung damage, its pathology is distinct from the chronic inflammatory processes of COPD.
Option C: Chronic constrictive pericarditis is a cardiovascular condition affecting the sac around the heart. It restricts cardiac function, not pulmonary airflow.
Option D: Chronic pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an abdominal organ. It is related to the digestive and endocrine systems, not the respiratory system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology and components of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary risk factor for COPD is long-term exposure to irritants, most commonly cigarette smoke. Patient education on smoking cessation is a critical nursing intervention to slow disease progression.
Nurses play a key role in managing COPD symptoms through medication administration (e.g., bronchodilators, steroids), oxygen therapy, and teaching energy conservation and breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing.
What if? If a young, non-smoking patient presented with emphysema, the nurse should suspect a genetic cause like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which would require different genetic counseling and management strategies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question asks for a common cause or a primary component of C.O.P.D.
Recall the definition of COPD. It is not a single disease but a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
Remember the two main diseases that constitute COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Scan the options to see if either of these primary conditions is listed.
Option A, 'Chronic bronchitis,' is one of the main components of COPD.
Briefly evaluate the other options to confirm they are unrelated. Tuberculosis is an infection, pericarditis is a heart condition, and pancreatitis is a digestive system disorder. This confirms that chronic bronchitis is the only plausible answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Etiology and components of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Stem keywords: C.O.P.D., common cause
Lead-in keywords: Which one

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