Nursing Interventions for Emphysema
October 18, 2010 | In: Nursing Interventions
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Nursing Interventions: Emphysema
- If ordered, perform chest physiotherapy, including postural drainage and chest persussion and vibration several times daily.
- Schedule respiratory treatments at least 1 hour before and after meals.
- Provide high calorie-protein rich diet to promote health and healing.
- Make sure the patient receives adequate fluids at least 3 liters per day to loosen secretions.
- Encourage daily activity and provide diversionary activities as appropriate.
- Administer medications as ordered and record the patient’s response.
- Monitor the patient’s respiratory function regularly.
- Monitor the patient’s RBC count for increases (warning signs of increasing lung and vascular congestion).
- Watch for complications, such as respiratory tract infections, cor pulmonale, spontaneous pneumothorax, respiratory failure, and peptic ulcer disease.
- Include the patient and his family in care-related decision.
- Provide supportive care, and help the patient adjust to lifestyle changes imposed by a chronic illness.