Care Plan for COPD Patients

Running Head; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Scenario: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease generally defines diseases associated with the lungs
(World Health Organization, 2018). Bronchitis and non-reversible olfactory asthma are the two
major forms of COPD 9 American Lung Association, 2012). COPD is characterized by increased
difficulties in breathing and mostly, adults of over 40 years are susceptible (Al Ghobain et al.,
2015)
Q1; what will you consider when preparing the care plan for your chosen patient?
During care plan preparation for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient, factors to
consider include;
Emotional Support
COPD patients require a great deal of emotional support. During care plan development, it is
important that a nurse or a caregiver treat emotional health of his patient with great attention.
Coping with symptom fluctuations like exacerbations can affect mental stability of the patient,
and subsequent depression and hopelessness which are seen to be part and parcel of COPD. Doos
et al. (2013) suggests that COPD patients joining support groups, thinking positives and reading
journals for mental strength.
Breathing Exercises
COPD makes breathing hard therefore whatever exercise that improves this situation is a plus, a
factor for consideration during care plan development (American Lung Association, 2012). The
conditions are progressives and get worse with time thus accomplishing everyday tasks becomes

Running Head; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
a nightmare. Regular breathing exercises strengthens the lungs hence can work efficiently.
Breathing exercise not only benefits the lungs but also contribute immensely to heart health. The
efficiency of these two organs are vital for circulation of blood; oxygen throughout the body.
Some of these breathing exercises are; Deep inhalations then slow exhalation, pressed lips
breathing where you Inhale through your nose, pucker your lips, and breathe out slowly through
pursed lips and Diaphragmatic breathing (G Tsiligianni, Kosmas, Van der Molen, & Tzanakis,
2013)).
Nutrition
COPD patients need to be treated to a healthy diet. Nutrition is therefore one of the important
elements for consideration for a long term care plan. Unmonitored eating habits will lead to
overweight that strains the body. However, according to G Tsiligianni et al. (2013), the later
stages of COPD are associated with severe weight loss. To ensure favorable body weight,
patients should consider eating small meals, avoiding excessive salt intake that reduces fluid
reabsorption I the body and eating more proteins such as fish, bean and eggs especially when the
victim is involved in regular exercises.
Exercise
Symptom outburst is greatly reduced by daily exercise. In most cases, COPD patients tend to shy
away from exercise in fear of symptom flare up. However, the fact is that inactivity can worsen
COPD symptoms in the long run. It is important to consult your primary care physician before
engaging in an exercise. Small weight lifting, walking and calf raising are simple exercises that
are good for COPDs.

Running Head; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Question 2: Three types of Nursing Assessments
Initial Assessment; this is also known as admission assessment. It involves detailed information
such as general appearance and the history of the patient, physical examinations and signs. This
assessment is done by a nurse together with a caregiver on arrival not later than 24hours. The
information of the patient must be ensured. Other assessments such as body weight, blood sugar
level and height are also done.
Shift Assessment: incisive assessment aims at establishment of information when the condition
of the patient changes. From this information, a care plan is developed. On the patients care plan,
the shifts in initial assessment are documented while any other checkup is recorded in the
progress notes. Decision on the kind of assessment required is based on clinical interpretations
and inferences. The examination starts with assessment of the look of the patient such us pale or
normal, active or lethargic, movement and posture among others.
Focused assessment: Assesses target body parts or systems that are related to the problem in
question. It can sometimes depend on the patient’s present condition. The assessment can target
more than one system of the body. Clinical judgment of the nurse is key to ascertain which
components of a focused assessment are relevant for their patient
Evaluation Assessment: In this phase, information collected is complete, precise and properly
recorded. The nurse, using his critical thinking and problem solving prowess should be able to
make clinical judgment and develop a care plan for the patient. The nurse must be in a position
of taking an appropriate action in case an abnormal finding. If any abnormal findings are
identified, the nurse must ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Running Head; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Question 3: Three (3) priority nursing diagnoses for COPD
The three priority nursing diagnoses for COPD patients are; Ineffective breathing pattern,
impaired gas exchange and ineffective airway clearance (Fried et al, 2012)
Ineffective Breathing Pattern
The decline in the depth and rate of inhalation and exhalation defines ineffective breathing
pattern. It is characterized with reduction of lung expansion, patient’s weakness, lung position
and some of the effects of drugs a patient is taking. This diagnosis help establish the change of
breathing pattern for precise medication prescription.
Ineffective Airway Clearance
Ineffective airway clearance for COPD may be as a result of bronchospasm, loss of elasticity by
the airways, production of thick secretions in large amounts, thickening of the bronchial walls,
allergies and general body weakness. This nursing diagnosis helps in recommendation of
appropriate methods of coughing and use of nebulizers and inhalers.
Impaired Gas Exchange
This COPD nursing diagnosis may be linked with air-trapping and obstruction of airways, alveoli
destruction, and changes in the alveolar-capillary membrane and bronchospasm. The patient
might experience breathing difficulties, restlessness, body weakness and abnormal breathing.