Collaborative Care and Nursing Interventions for Clients with Lower Respiratory Disorders
Nursing Interventions that Should be Done Immediately
Two immediate nursing interventions are necessary at that point. The first one is giving the client oxygen therapy to improve his low oxygen saturation. First, administer 84% room oxygen and start a nebulizer with bronchodilator drugs to relieve the client’s shortness of breath and respiratory distress.
Environmental Factors that Contributed to the Client’s Current Situation
The respiratory distress that many patients with chronic respiratory disorders like COPD endure, which results in irritated airways and thickened mucus, can be slightly alleviated by the hot and muggy weather. Conversely, the absence of air conditioning at the client’s home and indoor temperatures may also play a role in more complications to his respiratory problems.
Dangers the Client Face by Abruptly Stopping Prednisone
Further, the lack of medications, such as inhalers and prednisone, during this duration, was highly detrimental to the respiratory system, indicating that perfect adherence to medication regimen and availability of essential treatments for chronic disease management is critical (Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021). Stopping this drug suddenly may cause many problems for the client because prednisone is a corticosteroid, which is very helpful in COPD and is used during severe exacerbations to reverse inflammation and improve lung function. Sudden discontinuation of the drug administered may trigger adrenal insufficiency with symptoms like dizziness, feeling tired, nausea, and lowering of the blood pressure. In the worst scenarios, it may lead to the development of an adrenal crisis (a dire medical emergency). Therefore, it is even more crucial to advise the patient and his family to follow the recommended drug regimen, get convenient prescriptions as needed, and schedule routine medical check-ups.
Compliance In Managing Chronic Diseases Such as COPD
Compliance is a top priority in managing COPD, as it is vital for several reasons. First, the uninterrupted use of prescribed medications enables the client to experience the full spectrum of the effects of the drugs designed to relieve the symptoms/prevent the exacerbation of the disease, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Enactment of non-compliance can cause more severe respiratory symptoms, increase hospitalizations, and decrease quality of life. This article also reiterates that regular clinic visits with healthcare providers enable them to keep track of disease progression, administer remedies deployment, and educate patients on self-management methods such as appropriate inhaler techniques, smoking cessation, and lifestyle modifications. Compliance results in better disease control in individuals with COPD, better symptom management, and better well-being (Doyle & McCutcheon, 2022)
What to Address with Him on His Next Clinic Visit
At the client’s next clinic visit, it is advised to ensure their stability in several aspects. To prevent exacerbations and preserve lung function, the nurse should promote medication adherence. Other topics the nurse should cover include indoor air pollution, comprehensive education on COPD self-management techniques, including the use of inhalers, and the recognition of early warning signs and symptoms, as well as healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress reduction techniques, and quitting smoking. In providing holistic care and helping patients struggling with COPD, effective collaboration with other healthcare team members is critically important.
References
Doyle, G. R., & McCutcheon, J. A. (2022, November 23). 5.6 Management of Hypoxia – Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care. Opentextbc.ca. https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/5-5-management-of-hypoxemia/
Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (2021). Nursing skills. WI Technical Colleges Open Press.
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Question
Module 06 Content
Purpose
To work with a team of professionals, select appropriate nursing interventions within the LPN scope of practice, and recognize serious complications.
Competency
Explain care for the client with lower respiratory disorders.
Instructions
Read the case study below and answer the questions. Cite any sources using APA format.
The Story
You are an LPN working in a community health clinic on a team of professionals that includes a medical assistant, RN, and nurse practitioner. The clinic is just opening for the day on a day that is particularly hot and humid. A woman runs into the clinic with an older gentleman yelling “he can’t breathe.” The client appears flushed (reddened skin), is unable to speak, and appears very short of breath. The client’s wife tells you that he has “emphysema” and refuses to put the air conditioning on in their home because he is afraid the electric bill will be too high. She also tells you that he ran out of his medications, including his inhalers and prednisone, almost 2 weeks ago. The client has a respiratory rate of 44 and an O2 Sat. of 84% on room air. His blood pressure is 168/100.
Question 1: List two nursing interventions that should be done immediately. (2-3 sentences)
Question 2: What environmental factor(s) do you think contributed to the client’s current situation? (2-3 sentences)
Question 3: What danger could the client face by abruptly stopping prednisone? (5-10 sentences)
Question 4: Explain why compliance is important in managing chronic diseases such as COPD. (5-10 sentences)
Question 5: After this client is stabilized and his breathing improves. What should be addressed with him on his next clinic visit? (5-10 sentences)