Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Texts
COPD: Definition and Etiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease
characterized by increasing breathlessness. The primary cause of COPD is
long-term exposure to harmful substances, particularly cigarette smoke.
Other factors include exposure to air pollutants, dust, and chemicals, as well
as genetic factors such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Symptoms typically
include chronic cough, mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis and Classification
COPD is diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms, and lung function
tests, particularly spirometry, which measures the amount and speed of air
that can be inhaled and exhaled. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive
Lung Disease (GOLD) classifies COPD into four stages:
GOLD 1: Mild COPD, with a post-bronchodilator FEV1 ≥ 80% of
predicted.
GOLD 2: Moderate COPD, with a post-bronchodilator FEV1 between
50% and 79% of predicted.
GOLD 3: Severe COPD, with a post-bronchodilator FEV1 between 30%
and 49% of predicted.
GOLD 4: Very severe COPD, with a post-bronchodilator FEV1 < 30% of
predicted or < 50% with respiratory failure.
Management and Treatment
The management of COPD focuses on symptom relief and slowing disease
progression. Treatment options include:
Bronchodilators: Medications that relax the muscles around the
airways.
Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce airway
inflammation.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A program that includes exercise
training, nutritional advice, and education about the disease.
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with severe COPD and low oxygen
levels.
Surgery: In some cases, lung volume reduction surgery or lung
transplant may be considered.
Monitoring and Complications
Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential for managing COPD.
Complications can include respiratory infections, heart problems, and lung
cancer. Patients are encouraged to receive vaccinations, such as the flu and
pneumococcal vaccines, to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Part A
TIME: 15 minutes
Look at the four texts, A-D, in the separate Text Booklet. For each question,
1-20, look through the texts, A-D, to find the relevant information. Write your
answers in the spaces provided in this Question Paper. Answer all the
questions within the 15-minute time limit. Your answers should only be taken
from Texts A-D and must be correctly spelled.
COPD: Questions
Questions 1-8
For each question, 1-8, decide which text (A, B, C, or D) the information
comes from. Write the letter A, B, C, or D in the space provided. You may use
any letter more than once.
In which text can you find information about:
1. The most common cause of COPD? _____
2. Symptoms typically associated with COPD? _____
3. The classification system for COPD severity? _____
4. Treatment options for managing COPD? _____
5. Preventative measures for respiratory infections? _____
6. A condition that may develop as a complication of COPD? _____
7. A method for diagnosing COPD? _____
8. Non-pharmacological approaches to managing COPD? _____
Questions 9-14
Answer each of the questions, 9-14, with a word or short phrase from one of
the texts. Each answer may include words, numbers, or both. You should not
write full sentences.
9. What is the primary substance associated with the development of
COPD? __________
10. Which stage of COPD is characterized by an FEV1 of < 30%?
__________
11. Name a type of medication used to reduce airway inflammation.
__________
12. What is a common symptom of COPD that involves the
production of mucus? __________
13. Which program combines exercise training and education for
COPD patients? __________
14. Name a vaccination recommended for COPD patients to prevent
infections. __________
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences, 15-20, with a word or short phrase from
one of the texts. Each answer may include words, numbers, or both.
15. Long-term exposure to __________ is a significant risk factor for
COPD.
16. The __________ test is essential for diagnosing COPD.
17. Patients with very severe COPD may require __________ therapy
to maintain oxygen levels.
18. __________ is a complication that can arise from uncontrolled
COPD.
19. Patients are encouraged to undergo __________ rehabilitation to
improve their quality of life.
20. The classification of COPD severity is determined by the
__________ of air that can be exhaled.
