The nurse is caring for a patient with advanced COPD who reports feeling short of breath. The nurse notes that the patient's lung sounds are diminished bilaterally and the patient's pulse oximetry is 91% on 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula
What actions will the nurse take to make the patient more comfortable? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Increase the patient's oxygen to 4 L/min via nasal cannula.
b.
Suction the patient's airway using sterile technique.
c.
Maintain eye contact and provide calm reassurance.
d.
Turn the patient onto the side for postural drainage.
e.
Administer the ordered nebulized bronchodilator.
f.
Elevate the head of the patient's bed to fully upright.
ANS: C, E, F
Patients who are acutely short of breath due to advanced COPD will benefit from nebulized bronchodilator medication to open the airways. Elevating the head of the bed will prevent pressure on the diaphragm from the abdominal contents. A caring demeanor with eye contact will help the patient remain calm until the medication begins to work and the shortness of breath is eased. Patients with COPD should be kept on low-flow oxygen to maintain pulse oximetry as close to 90% as possible.
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