Nursing Assistant Monthly

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

COPDCNAs play a critical role

February 2014

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

What is COPD?

The letters COPD stand for:

Chronic—persists over time

Obstructive—small airways become clogged

Pulmonary—affects the lungs

Disease—a cluster of symptoms that cause illness

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

COPD—lung problems involved

COPD can be due to:

Emphysema—damage to tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs

– They can’t do their job of bringing oxygen in and letting out carbon

dioxide

Chronic bronchitis—lining of the larger airways is inflamed

– Causes mucous production which makes it difficult to breathe

Or a combination of both

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

Common symptoms of COPD

The main symptoms of COPD are:

SHORTNESS OF BREATH—also called DYSPNEA

ANXIETY related to feeling short of breath

FATIGUE due to poor oxygenation and deconditioning

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

Causes of COPD

Long-term exposure to contaminated air

– Smoking

– Second-hand smoke

– Chemical fumes

– Poor air quality

– Some rare genetic conditions

– Untreated asthma

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

How can you help a resident with COPD?

Energy conservation

– Help residents to plan their activities for best part of their day

– Frequent rest periods

– Encourage daily activity

• Chronic inactivity makes COPD symptoms worse in the long run

Breathing techniques

– Instruct to exhale through pursed lips

– Instruct to assume a tripod position (leaning forward with arms on

a table)

• This helps to expand the lungs and relax muscles

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

More ways to help

Provide emotional support

– Speak in a calm, soothing way

– Maintain a quiet environment

– Ask what helps the resident to relax—music, watching a movie, etc.

– Assist resident with self-care activities

• Offer a backrub

• A soothing bath

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

Oxygen safety

Many people with COPD are on supplemental oxygen

Safety tips

– Oxygen feeds fire- no open flames or sparks nearby!

• (no smoking, candles)

– Keep flammable products away from oxygen

• Such as hairsprays, aerosols, nail polish remover

– Avoid using fabrics that can create sparks

• Better to use cotton blankets than synthetics

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

February 2014 COPD

End-of-life

COPD may progress and become life-threatening

Resident may need hospice care at end-of-life

– Medication can be prescribed to lessen anxiety, feelings of air

hunger

– The resident may become bedbound

Your caring and emotional support can make a big

difference to the resident and family