Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management

Nursing management of COPD involves five steps.

First, the nurse assesses the patient's detailed medical history, focusing on risk factors like smoking, environmental exposures, and previous exacerbations.

Next, a physical examination is performed to assess lung sounds, breathing patterns, chest shape, and vital signs.

Based on assessment findings, the nurse identifies nursing diagnoses such as:

Ineffective airway clearance is related to increased mucus production, evidenced by dyspnea and decreased oxygen saturation.

Impaired gas exchange related to ventilation-perfusion imbalance, evidenced by hypoxemia and abnormal ABG results.

The nurse collaborates with the patient to set goals for improving airway clearance and breathing patterns and optimizing gas exchange.

To achieve these outcomes, the nurse should:

Encourage the patient to adopt a tripod position to promote lung expansion.

Educate on diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing techniques and effective coughing.

Perform postural drainage with percussion and vibration to clear mucus.

Finally, the nurse evaluates the patient's reaction to treatments and adjusts the care plan as needed.