ABSTRACT
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of mortality in the United States. Most clients are initially seen when symptomatic and significant lung damage has already occurred; most cases are preventable. There is no cure for COPD, but lifestyle changes (especially smoking cessation) and proper treatment can significantly impact quality of life. The diagnostic tools most commonly used include chest x-ray, arterial blood gases, and pulmonary function tests. Pharmacologic interventions include steroids, bronchodilators, mucolytics, and an armamentarium of antibiotics, which must be selected with careful discretion. Because the prognosis of COPD may be guarded, the practitioner is obligated to provide information on advance directives. A sensitive approach, holistic perspective, consistent follow-up, and clinical astuteness are essential ingredients in the management of clients with COPD.
Subject(s)
Lung Diseases, Obstructive/nursing , Anti-Bacterial Agents/classification , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bronchodilator Agents/classification , Bronchodilator Agents/therapeutic use , Humans , Infection Control , Life Style , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/diagnosis , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/mortality , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/physiopathology , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/therapy , Nurse Practitioners , Patient Care Planning , Patient Education as Topic , Prognosis , Smoking/adverse effects , Steroids/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Patient education research supports the premise that the nurse must consider the patient's perspective before attempting to provide an educational program for implementing the therapeutic regimen. This article describes how a self-care assessment instrument can help the nurse to develop an individualized teaching plan for the cardiac patient.
