Chronic Illness Questions Related

Review Chronic Illness Questions related questions and content

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with:

  • A. Skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  • B. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure of ≥ 25 mm Hg.
  • C. Significant reversibility in airflow limitation with bronchodilator therapy.
  • D. Depression.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a well-documented extrapulmonary manifestation due to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced physical activity, leading to muscle wasting and weakness. Elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (≥ 25 mm Hg) defines pulmonary hypertension, which can occur secondary to COPD but is not a universal feature. Significant reversibility in airflow limitation is more typical of asthma, not COPD, where bronchodilator response is limited. The FEV₁/FVC ratio in COPD is typically <0.7, not >0.7, making that option incorrect. Depression is common in COPD patients due to chronic illness and reduced quality of life, but it's not a defining feature. Among these, skeletal muscle dysfunction is most consistently associated with COPD pathophysiology, reflecting its systemic impact beyond the lungs.