Related Experiment Videos
District nurse role in end-stage COPD: a review
1Faculty of Nursing, Health and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney. Rebecca.Disler@uts.edu.au
Abstract:
District Nurses (DNs) are core providers of end-stage care in the community but appear to have little contact with patients suffering from non-malignant diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review found limited literature describing the role of DNs in end-stage COPD care, and the studies that did touch on the subject restricted their discourse to the frequency of interaction. A clear bias of end-of-life services to patients with malignancy was noted, as well as a call for community services to extend care to all end-stage patients regardless of underlying disease. In addition, there was a further call for DNs to apply a more holistic approach to care, as described in the literature. Finally, it was clear that while ongoing community intervention is necessary for end-stage COPD patients, support and training is essential to equip DNs to care for these vulnerable patients.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction