AEMCA Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

1. It is solely caused by infection

2. It involves a V/Q mismatch

3. It occurs only during physical activity

4. It primarily affects the upper respiratory tract

The correct answer is: It involves a V/Q mismatch

A significant characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is that it involves a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. This is a crucial concept in understanding how COPD impacts breathing and oxygen exchange in the lungs. In COPD, the airflow limitation and damage to the lung tissue lead to areas of the lung that are well ventilated but poorly perfused, as well as areas that are well perfused but poorly ventilated. This mismatch can result in decreased oxygenation of the blood and contribute to the symptoms experienced by patients, such as shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance. Understanding the dynamics of V/Q mismatch is important for recognizing how COPD alters normal respiratory function. The disease is not solely caused by infection; it is primarily related to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly from smoking. It does not occur only during physical activity, as COPD patients can experience symptoms at rest or during minimal exertion. Lastly, while COPD may affect the upper airway to some extent, its primary impact is on the lower respiratory tract, specifically the bronchi and alveoli. Thus, the nature of the disease is deeply tied to the mechanisms that lead to V/Q mismatch in the lung.