Nursing care for elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Two case studies

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease that causes permanent airway obstruction, which is caused by internal changes in the bronchi or lung tissue, causing the bronchi to narrow and from the physiological changes in the elderly affecting the control of the disease. Providing nursing care using the correct and complete nursing process will make patients safe from complications and have a better quality of life.

Objective: To study and compare the use of nursing processes in nursing elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Study method: This is a case study of 2 elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data were collected by interview, observation and data from medical records, including medical history, laboratory test results and special examinations. Data were analyzed to compare the use of nursing processes by content analysis.

Results: It was found that the 2 case studies had differences in general information, risk factors affecting illness, and severity of complications. Nursing care was provided in 3 phases: 1) before examination, 2) during examination, and 3) after examination. After receiving nursing care using nursing processes in each phase, patients and their relatives had knowledge and understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were able to take good care of themselves, and led to better quality of life.

Conclusion and Recommendations: There should be a modern standard of nursing care for COPD. Nurses should develop skills and knowledge in caring for patients with COPD. Pre-discharge advice is important to prevent patients from having a severe relapse. Patients should be advised to avoid risk factors, behave at home, take medication, use inhalers correctly, and return for follow-up appointments for continuous treatment. Relatives should be empowered to care for patients at home appropriately and correctly to reduce readmission to the hospital.

Keywords: Nursing care for patients with COPD, elderly patients