Nursing Interventions: Bronchiectasis

1. Provide supportive care and help the patient adjust to the lifestyle changes that irreversible lung damage necessitates.
2. Administer antibiotics, as ordered, and record the patient’s response to this medication.
3. Give oxygen as needed.
4. Perform chest physiotherapy, including postural drainage and chest percussion for involved lobes, several times per day, especially in the early morning and before bedtime.
5. Provide a warm, quiet, comfortable environment. Also help the patient to alternate rest and activity periods.
6. Give the patient well balanced, high calorie meals.
7. Offer small, frequent meals or nutritional supplements.
8. Make sure the patient receives adequate hydration to help thin secretions and promote easier removal.
9. Give frequent mouth care to remove foul-smelling sputum.
10. Provide the patient with tissues and waxed bag in which to dispose contaminated tissues.
11. Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate and pattern regularly.
12. Assess gas exchange by monitoring ABG values as ordered.
13. Observe the patient’s breath sounds and sputum production for changes that might indicate a respiratory infection or worsening condition.