Medical Surgical Nursing II
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A group of respiratory disorders characterized by chronic airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.
Clinical Presentation
- Chronic productive cough and dyspnea
- Barrel chest and clubbing of fingers
- Use of accessory muscles for breathing
- Activity intolerance and fatigue
Nursing Care
- Administer low-flow oxygen (target 88-92% for CO2 retainers)
- Encourage pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing
- Provide small, frequent, high-calorie meals
- Teach infection prevention (pneumococcal and flu vaccines)
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