Nursing of Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Home

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an obstruction of the lower respiratory tract resulting in decreased pulmonary velocity and taking longer to breathe. Physical symptoms included fever, cough, secretion, severe tiredness, dizziness, fatigue and poor appetite. Emotional symptoms included anxiety, depression, irritability and paranoia. In addition, these symptoms affect both the patient, and the family caregivers. When a patient’s condition is stable and they are ready to be discharged (sent home), patients/caregivers often feel stressed, anxious, and less confident in providing care. It is the role of the visiting nurse to assess the health status of patients, the availability of family and caregivers, and to analyze health needs. Visiting nurses must create an environmental assessment to provide advice for environmental management. They must practice skills with the patient and family to help them recognize and adjust their behavior during rehabilitation. They should provide nursing care and advice on the use of equipment, and encourage patients and their families to care for themselves at home, after patients have been discharged. 7-10 days after a patient is discharged from the hospital, the patient and their relatives should be able to take care of the recovering patient at home with confidence. The focus is on helping patients and their families as much as possible using holistic nursing; physical, mental, social and environmental care skills. The ultimate goal is to provide patients with a better quality of life by enabling them to care for themselves at home, reducing complications, and preventing readmission to the hospital.