COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Nursing Interventions Management Treatment NCLEX Part 2

Summary

In this video, Sarah Thread Sterner covers part two of COPD, focusing on nursing interventions, medications, and patient education. She discusses the importance of monitoring respiratory function, using techniques like pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing, and administering prescribed medications such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Sarah also emphasizes patient education, including the need for proper nutrition, hydration, avoiding irritants, and smoking cessation. The video provides a comprehensive look at managing COPD to improve patients' quality of life and prevent exacerbations, with practical advice for nurses and caregivers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Monitor respiratory system in COPD patients by assessing lung sounds, sputum production, and oxygen saturation (88-93%).
• 😀 Administer oxygen carefully (1-2 liters) to avoid hypoventilation and ensure the patient is stimulated to breathe effectively.
• 😀 Teach patients pursed-lip breathing to improve oxygen levels and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce energy spent on breathing.
• 😀 Encourage small, frequent meals that are high in calories and protein, especially for emphysema patients who use more energy to breathe.
• 😀 Keep patients hydrated (2-3 liters daily) to thin mucus and reduce airway obstruction in COPD patients.
• 😀 Educate patients on the importance of avoiding triggers such as air pollution, extreme weather, and sick people to prevent exacerbations.
• 😀 Emphasize the need for smoking cessation to improve lung function and overall health in COPD patients.
• 😀 Ensure patients are up-to-date with vaccinations (flu and pneumonia) to prevent infections that may exacerbate COPD symptoms.
• 😀 Teach the proper use of bronchodilators and corticosteroid inhalers (bronchodilator first, then corticosteroid) for effective treatment.
• 😀 Familiarize with common COPD medications like corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), bronchodilators, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and methylxanthines, while monitoring for side effects.
• 😀 Monitor for potential side effects of medications such as hyperglycemia, infection risk, and osteoporosis, and educate patients on these risks.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video?

The video focuses on nursing interventions and medications for patients with COPD, building on the foundation laid in Part 1 which covered pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, complications, and diagnosis.

Why is monitoring oxygen saturation so important in COPD patients?

Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial because COPD patients are primarily stimulated to breathe due to low oxygen levels, not high carbon dioxide levels. Maintaining oxygen saturation between 88-93% prevents hypoventilation and helps avoid toxic buildup of carbon dioxide.

What is pursed lip breathing, and why is it helpful for COPD patients?

Pursed lip breathing involves exhaling through pursed lips (as if blowing out a candle) to slow down the exhalation and increase oxygen levels. This technique helps COPD patients expel air from their lungs more effectively, reducing air trapping and improving oxygenation.

How does diaphragmatic breathing help COPD patients?

Diaphragmatic breathing helps by engaging the abdominal muscles instead of accessory muscles, which reduces the energy expended on breathing. This can decrease the use of accessory muscles and strengthen the diaphragm, improving the efficiency of breathing.

What type of diet should COPD patients with emphysema follow?

COPD patients with emphysema should eat small, frequent meals that are high in calories and protein to avoid difficulty breathing caused by stomach distension. These meals help provide necessary energy without overwhelming the lungs and diaphragm.

What are the key medications used for COPD and their purposes?

Key medications for COPD include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and mucus production, bronchodilators to open the airways, and other drugs like phosphodiesterase inhibitors and methylxanthines. These medications help manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

What is the correct order for using inhalers in COPD treatment?

The correct order is to use a bronchodilator inhaler first, to open the airways, followed by a corticosteroid inhaler. This ensures the steroid can reach the lungs effectively, as the bronchodilator has already expanded the airways.

What side effects should be monitored when administering corticosteroids to COPD patients?

Side effects of corticosteroids include easy bruising, fragile skin, hyperglycemia, increased infection risk, and potential osteoporosis. These effects require monitoring, especially in long-term use.

How does the medication 'theophylline' work, and what are the risks associated with it?

Theophylline is a bronchodilator that relaxes smooth muscles to open airways, often used for long-term COPD management. It has a narrow therapeutic range (10-20 micrograms per milliliter), so careful monitoring is required to avoid toxicity or insufficient medication levels.

Why is hydration important for COPD patients?

Hydration is important because it helps thin mucus secretions, making it easier for COPD patients to clear mucus from their airways. This reduces blockages and the risk of infections such as pneumonia.