Nursing Interventions: Emphysema

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