When teaching a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about reasons to quit smoking, the nurse will explain that long-term exposure to tobacco smoke leads to a

Question

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Tobacco smoke leads to an increase in proteolytic enzymes, which break down alveolar walls and lead to less alveolar surface area for gas exchange. Bronchial smooth muscle is not weakened by chronic smoking. Polycythemia is a common compensatory mechanism for patients with COPD. The quantity of respiratory secretions increases as a result of smoking.

When Teaching a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)