Treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Intended for healthcare professionals
CPD Previous     Next

Treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Matthew Hodson Nurse consultant, Acute COPD early response service, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
Rebecca Sherrington Respiratory nurse consultant, Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Guernsey

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease characterised by breathlessness, cough and sputum production. Progressively worsening breathlessness for the patient with COPD limits everyday activity, reduces quality of life and increases the risk of premature death. Beyond reducing symptoms and the rate and severity of exacerbations, the aim of treatment is to increase exercise capacity and improve overall health and wellbeing. Nurses have an important role in ensuring advance care planning is implemented for every patient. This article describes the diagnosis, assessment and management of COPD, and includes practical points for patient care.

Nursing Standard. 29, 9, 50-58. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.9.50.e9061

Correspondence

matthew.hodson@homerton.nhs.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 11 April 2014

Accepted: 18 July 2014

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more