Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to chronic lung disorders that result in blocked air flow in the lungs. The two main COPD disorders are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the most common causes of respiratory failure. Emphysema occurs when the walls between the lung's air sacs become weakened and collapse. Damage from COPD is usually permanent and irreversible.
The assessment includes information about the symptoms last and previous disease manifestations. Here are some guidelines to get the data question the health history of the disease process:
Additional data collected through observation and examination as follows:
The assessment includes information about the symptoms last and previous disease manifestations. Here are some guidelines to get the data question the health history of the disease process:
- How long patients have trouble breathing?
- Does the activity increase of dyspnea?
- How far are limitations on the patient's activity tolerance?
- When patients complain of fatigue and shortness of breath most?
- Is eating and sleeping habits are affected?
- History of smoking?
- The drugs used each day?
- The drugs used in acute attacks?
- What is known about the condition and the patient's illness?
Additional data collected through observation and examination as follows:
- Patient's pulse rate and breathing?
- Is the same breathing without effort?
- Is there a contraction of abdominal muscles during inspiration?
- Is there any use of accessory respiratory muscles during breathing?
- Barrel chest?
- Does seem cyanosis?
- Is there a cough?
- Is there peripheral edema?
- Are the neck veins appear dilated?
- What color, amount and consistency of sputum of patients?
- How is the status of the patient sensorium?
- Is there an increase in stupor? Anxiety?
