Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which conditions are included under Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

1. Asthma and pneumonia

2. Cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis

3. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthmatic

4. Lung cancer and pulmonary embolism

The correct answer is: Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthmatic

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties and is primarily characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the airways, leading to persistent cough and mucus production, while emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, which decreases surface area for gas exchange. The inclusion of asthmatic conditions in this context can be somewhat misleading; while asthma is a respiratory condition that can coexist with COPD, it is generally considered a separate entity. However, the crux of the question lies in identifying the primary diseases that define COPD, which are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Therefore, this choice correctly highlights the foundational elements of COPD. Other options encompass conditions that are either more acute in nature or are not part of COPD. For instance, asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and pulmonary embolism do not define COPD directly, although they can affect lung function and may have overlapping symptoms with COPD.