Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

The major symptom of type A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically emphysema, is dyspnea, which is the medical term for shortness of breath. Emphysema is characterized by damage to the alveoli in the lungs, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange. This results in difficulty breathing, especially during physical activities. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience dyspnea even at rest.

While chronic cough and wheezing can occur in some forms of COPD, they are more commonly associated with chronic bronchitis, another type of COPD. Fatigue may also be present in patients due to the increased effort involved in breathing, but it is not the hallmark symptom of emphysema. Dyspnea stands out as the primary and defining symptom for those affected by this condition, making it a critical focus for treatment and management strategies.