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Mike_T says:
I know exactly how you feel, I was in a very similar situation. I remember that I was so nervous at that time and I took it out on everyone around me. I didnt know what could I do until, thanks god, I found Smoke Deter. Now I can look back and laugh on myself and in the same time I remember how helpless I was. I hope that I'll never be in the same situation again
(1) Prevent the patient from smoking. Smoking cessation is one of the most important factors in slowing down the progression of COPD. Even at a late stage of the disease it can reduce the rate of deterioration and prolong the time taken for disability and death.
(2) In general, long-term administration of oxygen is usually reserved for individuals with COPD who have arterial hypoxemia (PaO2 less than 55 mm Hg), or a PaO2 between 55 and 60 mm Hg with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, or secondary erythrocytosis (hematocrit >55%). In these patients, continuous home oxygen therapy (for >15 h/d) sufficient to correct hypoxemia has been shown to improve survival. The use of low flow oxygen may be necessary in some patients because in the COPD patient, control of respiration is driven mainly by the blood oxygen level rather than the carbon dioxide level, increased oxygen delivery can diminish this response and cause respiratory failure.
(3) Patients with COPD should be routinely vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcus and other diseases to prevent illness and the possibility of death.
(4) Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of disease management, counseling and exercise coordinated to benefit the individual.
(5) A recent French study conducted over 12 years with almost 43,000 men concluded that eating a Mediterranean diet "halves the risk of serious lung disease like emphysema and bronchitis"
(6) There are several types of bronchodilators used clinically with varying efficacy: Many patients feel less breathless after taking bronchodilators.
(7) In severe cases or flare-ups, the health care provider may prescribe steroids through a vein (intravenous) or by mouth (oral). Antibiotics are used during flare-ups of symptoms, because infections can make COPD worse
(8) Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a rapid increase in shortness of breath or if you develop complications.
The role of the nurse is to assist the patient in such matters.
Please note that I am not a medical professional.
Well, I am not sure exactly what kind of answer you are looking for, but as a person with COPD myself, I would say a lot depends on how severe the COPD is. People such as myself can function without any assistance. I am on Oxy Therepy, but this does not get in the way of living a fairly normal life. I am not a young person, so I don’t expect to do the things a young person would. If one required a nurse, then I assume that it is someone who needs intensive care. If such is the case, the nurse would make sure that there was plenty of Oxy on hand, and assist the person in most physical activities such as walking to the bathroom etc. Also, making sure that the patient is well fed and is getting plenty of sleep.