Question

James is a 67-year-old black male who is a retired high school teacher and is married, with two grown children. He was diagnosed a year ago with group B COPD. He has a 49-pack-year history and, unfortunately, continues to smoke cigarettes. James was admitted 1 week ago with his first COPD exacerbation. He is currently receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L. It is anticipated that he will be discharged in 2 days. AS a Case Manager, you will assist him in transitioning to the home setting.

What educational topics should you address with this patient?

Answer 1

Copd is a type of lung disease which worse the condition of the patient if proper treatment and self care is not done. Copd worsens slowly by their outcomes are unpredictable.

Educate the patient how he can reduce the impact of copd in his  life.

▪ smoking : Here the patient is a smoker. Smoking is one of the main risk factor for COPD. It will worse the condition of the patient by damaging the lungs. Advice him to quit smoking. This will reduce the risk of exacerbation.

▪ diet : Ask him to Maintain balanced diet and healthy body weight. Avoid oily and fatty foods. Eat more protein rich food . Avoid too much spicy food . Include more vegetables and fruits in diet.

▪physical activity : advice him to exercise regularly. breathing exercises will help him to reduce  breathing difficulty.

▪allergens and pollution: stay away from dust, pets, fumes,pollens, burning smoke etc that cause lung irritation.

▪ medications: instruct him how to take the medication at what time. Tell him not to miss any dose and if he missed any dose advice him not to take overdoses.

▪ follow up : ask him to come for regular check up