Running head: COPD 1

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abigail Hansen

Nurs322
Running head: COPD 2

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Dear Miss Bloomfield,

The following contains information on your condition chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease (COPD)- including the possible causes, risk factors, factors that may impact the ability

for you to control your disease, and goals to help you reach your best health.

Patient Condition - COPD

COPD is a treatable disease that is characterized by progressive, persistent airflow

limitation. It is associated with the enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and

lungs. Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing COPD (Lewis et al, 2017) and

in your case, is the cause for your disease. Due to your history of smoking one pack per day for

the last twenty years, you have developed early mild COPD. It is estimated that 12.7 million

adults here in America have this same disease and possibly more in early stages that are

undiagnosed. There is more COPD in men here in the U.S. than in women. However, unlike

men, the incidence of COPD is growing in the female population. (Lewis et al, 2017) There are

pros and cons to being female with this disease. Compared to their male counterparts, women

with COPD have lower quality of life, more exacerbations, increased dyspnea, and a better

response to oxygen therapy. (Lewis et al, 2017) COPD is the third leading cause of death in the

U.S. It is so important to understand the risks that come with this disease if it goes untreated.

(Lewis et al, 2017)

Home Care Environment. There are many factors in your home environment that may

contribute to your inability to control your disease. The biggest factor in your specific

environment is cigarette smoking. The only way we can slow the progression of this disease is

by complete smoking cessation. (Lewis et al, 2017) According to Medical-Surgical: Assessment

COPD 3

and Management of Clinical Problems, after a person discontinues smoking, the accelerated

decline in your lung function found with smoking slows to almost nonsmoking levels. The

sooner you stop smoking, the less lung function is lost and the sooner your symptoms decrease.

(Lewis et al, 2017) You are commended for cutting back on smoking the way you have in these

last four weeks and we hope to assist you as you continue to cease all cigarette smoking. There

are medications that can be administered to you in order to assist in this endeavor. I suggest you

consult with your health care provider for any medication prescriptions. You mentioned that you

spend nights in the country taking astrophotos where you are exposed to the smoke of nearby

wildfires. It is best if you avoid or control your exposure to these environmental pollutants and

irritants to prevent further damage and maintain the health of your lungs and their function.

(Lewis et al, 2017) By following these suggestions, you will have a greater level of

independence.

Goals for Patient Teaching. There are many activities that can help promote your health

and safety. It is important to avoid others who might be sick so you can prevent respiratory tract

infections and exacerbations of COPD. It is also vital to practice good hand-washing methods,

take medications as prescribed by your doctor, implement a regular exercise regimen into your

life, and maintain a healthy weight. (Lewis et al, 2017) We might also suggest that you stay

current on your influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines to avoid unnecessary

infections that might aggravate your disease. (Lewis et al, 2017) It is our hope that as you deal

with this disease in your daily life at home, you will implement the important health promotion

activities mentioned above. Living a healthy lifestyle will help you immensely when dealing

with COPD.
COPD 4

Exacerbations, or acute episodes, are very common with COPD. The best way to control

these is by recognizing the cause of these flare-ups and doing your best to avoid the cause.

(Lewis et al, 2017) Your forced expiratory volume in one second came back within the normal

range, however we can talk to your doctor about prescribing an as-needed inhaled bronchodilator

for exercise and acute COPD exacerbations. With your mild COPD the doctor could put you on a

short-acting bronchodilator such as an inhalation spray of albuterol and ipratropium (Combivent

Respimat). (Lewis et al, 2017) Bronchodilator drug therapy relaxes the smooth muscles of your

lungs and airway and improves ventilation. This will reduce the degree of breathlessness you

experience while exercising. Proper inhalation of these medications are extremely important.

(Lewis et al, 2017) If you obtain a prescription for combivent respimat or another short-acting

bronchodilator, we will teach you how to self-administer this medication. These short-acting

bronchodilator medications can reduce your symptoms, increase your capacity to exercise,

improve your overall health, and decrease the number and severity of flare-ups. (Lewis et al,

2017)

As discussed earlier, this disease impacts many people. If interested, we would be happy

to help you find a support group that will aid you in coping with some of the emotional issues

that come with COPD. We are all here to support and help you live your best, healthiest life. I

look forward to assisting you in preventing the progress of this disease.

Sincerely,

E. Abigail Hansen, SN BYU-I

COPD 5

References

Lewis, S., Dirksen, S. R., Heitkemper, M., Bucher, L., Harding, M. M., Jeff. (2017). Medical-
Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume,
10th Edition. [Pageburstl]. Retrieved
from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/9780323328524/