COPD: Prevent, treat and comfort - assessment answers

1. Select three modifiable risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
a. Childhood respiratory infections
b. Exposure to air pollution
e. Smoking

2. What is the most effective intervention for COPD?
c. Pulmonary rehabilitation

3. Which model of care used in COPD management involves a multidimensional assessment to identify patient characteristics that, when targeted with treatment, improve outcomes and quality of life?
d. Treatable traits

4. Name one treatable trait in COPD. How would you manage it?
Refer to Table 1 for possible answers (see below)

5. What is spirometry used for in COPD management?
a. Diagnosis

6. Which two statements regarding exacerbations in COPD are correct?
b. Exacerbations are defined as episodes of an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms associated with local and systemic inflammation
c. History of exacerbations and the magnitude of respiratory symptoms are used to guide medication prescribing

7. Brian says he has to stop to catch his breath every few minutes when walking, even when just walking through the mall. What grade is he on the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale?
c. Grade 3

8. Patients in COPD pharmaceutical treatment groups A and E are normally initially managed with which of the following inhaler therapies?
c. LAMA + LABA

9. Which two of the following are listed in the current Pharmac Special Authority criteria for single-inhaler triple therapy for patients with COPD (currently receiving ICS + LABA or LAMA + LABA or multiple-inhaler triple therapy)?
c. Has had an eosinophil count ≥0.3×10⁹/L in the previous 12 months
d. Has had two or more exacerbations in the previous 12 months

10. The following five vaccines are all recommended for patients for COPD. Which two are currently funded for patients with COPD?
a. COVID-19
b. Influenza

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Table 1. Treatable traits in COPD