1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. COPD CNAs play a critical role February 2014

2. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD What is COPD? The letters COPD stand for:  Chronic—persists over time  Obstructive—small airways become clogged  Pulmonary—affects the lungs  Disease—a cluster of symptoms that cause illness

3. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD COPD—lung problems involved COPD can be due to:  Emphysema—damage to tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs –They can’t do their job of bringing oxygen in and letting out carbon dioxide  Chronic bronchitis—lining of the larger airways is inflamed –Causes mucous production which makes it difficult to breathe  Or a combination of both

4. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD Common symptoms of COPD The main symptoms of COPD are:  SHORTNESS OF BREATH—also called DYSPNEA  ANXIETY related to feeling short of breath  FATIGUE due to poor oxygenation and deconditioning

5. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD Causes of COPD  Long-term exposure to contaminated air –Smoking –Second-hand smoke –Chemical fumes –Poor air quality –Some rare genetic conditions –Untreated asthma

6. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD How can you help a resident with COPD?  Energy conservation –Help residents to plan their activities for best part of their day –Frequent rest periods –Encourage daily activity Chronic inactivity makes COPD symptoms worse in the long run  Breathing techniques –Instruct to exhale through pursed lips –Instruct to assume a tripod position (leaning forward with arms on a table) This helps to expand the lungs and relax muscles

7. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD More ways to help  Provide emotional support –Speak in a calm, soothing way –Maintain a quiet environment –Ask what helps the resident to relax—music, watching a movie, etc. –Assist resident with self-care activities Offer a backrub A soothing bath

8. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD Oxygen safety  Many people with COPD are on supplemental oxygen  Safety tips –Oxygen feeds fire- no open flames or sparks nearby! (no smoking, candles) –Keep flammable products away from oxygen Such as hairsprays, aerosols, nail polish remover –Avoid using fabrics that can create sparks Better to use cotton blankets than synthetics

9. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. February 2014 COPD End-of-life  COPD may progress and become life-threatening  Resident may need hospice care at end-of-life –Medication can be prescribed to lessen anxiety, feelings of air hunger –The resident may become bedbound  Your caring and emotional support can make a big difference to the resident and family