COPD

Rahul Patel is a 60 year old male with history of COPD & Hypertension and came to the hospital because he was short of breath. He is an Indian American Male who migrated to the United States when he was a child. Loves to be with family and go to the cigar lounge with his friends on his free time. He is currently ill in the hospital due to pneumonia.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Recognize signs and symptoms of an acute COPD exacerbation and identify early deterioration.
2. Conduct a focused respiratory assessment, including auscultation, oxygen saturation, and patient history.
3. Implement appropriate nursing interventions, including positioning, oxygen therapy, and medication administration as ordered.
4. Prioritize care needs for a patient with impaired gas exchange.
5. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team using SBAR or similar structured format to escalate care.
6. Educate the patient about COPD management, including smoking cessation, medication adherence, and breathing techniques.

1. Accurately assess a patient experiencing a COPD exacerbation.
2. Appropriately escalate care based on assessment findings
3. Safely administer oxygen therapy and medications
4. Monitor for therapeutic response and adverse reactions.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking and prioritization in responding to changes in respiratory status.
6. Provide post-exacerbation teaching to prevent future episodes.