Which of the following conditions is a potential complication of COPD?

Study for the AAOS Emergency Care and Transport of the Sick and Injured Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can lead to several serious complications, making the most comprehensive answer the correct choice. Each of the conditions listed—heart failure, pneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension—can indeed develop as a result of COPD.

Heart failure can occur in COPD patients due to the strain that chronic lung disease places on the heart. Over time, the heart has to work harder to supply oxygen to the body, leading to heart dysfunction and failure, particularly right-sided heart failure known as cor pulmonale.

Pneumonia is a significant risk for patients with COPD because they already have compromised lung function, making them more susceptible to infections. The presence of mucus and inflammation in the airways further creates an environment conducive to infections.

Pulmonary hypertension arises as a consequence of COPD when prolonged low oxygen levels cause the blood vessels in the lungs to constrict. This results in increased blood pressure within the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to further complications, including heart strain.

Thus, each of these conditions represents a potential complication of COPD, making "all of the above" the most complete and accurate answer.

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