What can a nurse do for a patient with COPD?

What can a nurse do for a patient with COPD?

In COPD, nurses have been involved in delivering non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients — such as smoking cessation, increased physical activity, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

What should a nurse consider when giving oxygen to a patient with COPD?

Assess the need for oxygen therapy in people with any of the following:

1. Very severe airflow obstruction – forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) less than 30% predicted.
2. Cyanosis.
3. Polycythaemia.
4. Peripheral oedema.
5. Raised jugular venous pressure.
6. Oxygen saturation 92% or below when breathing air.

What assessments should be performed on a patient with a COPD exacerbation?

Tests may include:

• Lung (pulmonary) function tests. These tests measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and whether your lungs deliver enough oxygen to your blood.
• Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can show emphysema, one of the main causes of COPD .
• CT scan.
• Arterial blood gas analysis.
• Laboratory tests.

How can I improve my COPD exacerbation?

The following tips may help prevent or reduce COPD exacerbations:

1. stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
2. getting an annual flu shot.
3. avoiding COPD triggers, such as air pollution, pollen, dust, and fumes.
4. taking all medications as the doctor directs.
5. getting plenty of sleep to keep the immune system strong.

What questions should I ask a patient with COPD?

In taking your medical history, your doctor will ask questions about: Shortness of breath….Exam Overview

• How often and when do you cough?
• How long have you been coughing? Is it getting worse?
• Do you cough up mucus (sputum)? What color is it?
• Have you ever coughed up blood?