Nursing Care for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Experiencing Acute Exacerbations: Two Comparative Case Studies

Abstract

This case study compares two chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute exacerbations who were admitted to Khon Kaen Hospital. The tools used to collect data include 1) outpatient and inpatient medical records and 2) observation and interviews with patients and relatives. Analyze comparative data according to health patterns, pathology, symptoms, and treatment. 3) Nursing record form. The study utilized the concept of patient assessment based on Gordon's 11 health patterns to understand the patient's problems. To understand the patient's problems, use the information obtained to plan nursing care for COPD patients with acute exacerbations, determine nursing diagnoses, and evaluate nursing results in 3 phases: the critical, rehabilitation, and pre-discharge phases. Results: Both case studies involve elderly individuals who have not yet quit smoking, receive intermittent treatment, and have a history of respiratory infections, which increases the likelihood of experiencing acute exacerbations. Swiftly assessing patients during a crisis and providing effective nursing care can reduce the severity and mortality rate. Discharge planning and ongoing care, with the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team, patients, and their relatives, can help reduce the incidence of acute exacerbations. Therefore, nurses play a crucial role in caring of patients in typical and critical situations, necessitation special knowledge, skills, and expertise inpatient care. The aim is to play standard nursing procedures consistent with the treatment plan from the initial admission until discharge, ensuring patient ensuring patient safety and quality of life.