Optimising health outcomes in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
To increase your knowledge of the risk factors that lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations
To recognise the importance of proactive management to prevent recurrence of COPD exacerbations
To understand how to undertake a comprehensive nursing assessment of a patient experiencing COPD exacerbation
The management of chronic conditions requires a careful approach to optimise patients’ health outcomes. Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can have debilitating physical effects on patients, negatively affecting their quality of life and causing or worsening psychological distress. Many risk factors that lead to COPD exacerbations are modifiable, and proactive management can prevent their recurrence. Informed by research and clinical guidelines, this article explains how to optimise patients’ long-term health outcomes, enhance symptom management and reduce hospital readmissions. It also discusses the importance of a comprehensive nursing assessment, multidisciplinary team input, self-management strategies and patient education. The article uses a case study to explore the hospital-based management of a patient experiencing a COPD exacerbation.
