Care Plan for COPD Management

Category / Primary Body System

• Respiratory System

Problem

• Patient is at risk for complications related to COPD.

Goal

• Patient will not experience respiratory distress for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Oxygen Therapy

   • Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as ordered to maintain adequate oxygenation levels.

2. Fluid and Nutrition Management

   • Encourage adequate fluid intake if not contraindicated to help thin mucus and prevent dehydration.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress (e.g., increased shortness of breath, wheezing, cyanosis) and notify MD/RNP if any are observed.
   • Encourage the patient to pace activities as needed to avoid overexertion.
   • Encourage the patient to perform deep breathing exercises (DBE) every day as tolerated to improve lung function.

4. Positioning

   • Elevate the head of the bed when the patient is in bed to facilitate easier breathing.

5. Emotional Support

   • Provide emotional support as needed to help the patient cope with the chronic nature of COPD.

6. Medication Management

   • Administer medications as ordered, including bronchodilators, steroids, and other COPD-related medications.

Rationale

1. Oxygen Therapy

   • Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate blood oxygen levels, reducing the risk of hypoxemia and respiratory distress.

2. Fluid and Nutrition Management

   • Adequate hydration helps thin respiratory secretions, making them easier to clear.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regular monitoring for signs of respiratory distress allows for prompt intervention, reducing the risk of severe exacerbations.
   • Pacing activities prevents overexertion, which can trigger respiratory distress.
   • Deep breathing exercises improve lung capacity and respiratory efficiency.

4. Positioning

   • Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and improves oxygenation.

5. Emotional Support

   • Providing emotional support helps the patient manage anxiety and stress related to COPD, which can exacerbate symptoms.

6. Medication Management

   • Proper medication management helps control symptoms and prevent exacerbations of COPD.

Actions

1. Oxygen Therapy

   • Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed, monitoring oxygen saturation levels to ensure they remain within the target range.
   • Adjust oxygen flow rates as needed based on the patient's oxygen saturation levels and physician orders.

2. Fluid and Nutrition Management

   • Encourage the patient to drink fluids regularly, ensuring they understand the importance of hydration in managing COPD.
   • Monitor the patient's fluid intake and output to prevent overhydration or dehydration.

3. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regularly assess the patient for signs of respiratory distress, including increased shortness of breath, wheezing, and cyanosis.
   • Encourage the patient to pace activities, providing rest periods between tasks to prevent overexertion.
   • Guide the patient through deep breathing exercises daily, documenting their participation and any improvements in lung function.

4. Positioning

   • Elevate the head of the bed to a comfortable angle for the patient, typically between 30-45 degrees, to ease breathing.

5. Emotional Support

   • Offer emotional support by listening to the patient’s concerns and providing reassurance and coping strategies.
   • Encourage family involvement in providing emotional support.

6. Medication Management

   • Administer prescribed medications on schedule, monitoring for effectiveness and any side effects.
   • Educate the patient on the correct use of inhalers and other respiratory devices, ensuring they understand how to use them effectively.