| Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This booklet has been written to answer questions that
many patients and family members ask about their care
during their hospital stay. It will explain the experiences
you will have while you are here. Using this as a guide,
care will be adapted to you and your needs. When being
treated for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD,
your length of stay may be up to 5 days.
Remember, this is a guide Specific care and timing will
be adjusted to you.
MEETINGS
Someone from Respiratory Therapy will come to your room
today to talk about your breathing and evaluate your oxygen
needs. A nutrition supervisor will come to talk with you
about your eating patterns, food preferences, and any
other needs you may have.
TESTS
Lab tests will be ordered by your doctor. A laboratory
technician will draw blood for some of these tests. The
respiratory therapist will draw blood for a different
test and ask you for a sample of sputum. You will also
have a chest xray.
FOOD
You may receive clear liquids and advance to regular meals
as you are able.
MEDICINE
Please let your nurses know how you are feeling. Your
doctor will probably have the nurses give you your regular
medicines and vitamins today. You will be also be given
medicines to help reduce anxiety and some for your breathing,
either by inhaler or nebulizer.
TREATMENTS
IV
IV fluids and medicines may be given to you today.
I & O
The nurse will measure all fluids you take in and measure
your urine.
Vital signs
You will be weighed today. Your temperature, blood pressure,
and pulse will be checked every 4 hours.
Oximeter
A clip or wrap will be placed on your finger or earlobe
to check the oxygen level in your blood.
ACTIVITY
Your activity will depend on your comfort level with breathing
and your oxygen level as measured by the oximeter.
LEARNING
You will learn about helpful and proper breathing and
relaxation techniques.
First Full Day in Hospital
MEETINGS
The physical therapist will work with you to see how to
manage your daily activities better. The pulmonary rehab
coordinator will come in to introduce you to the program.
TESTS
You may have blood tests today.
MEALS
We encourage you to drink fluids, and rest after meals
and snacks.
MEDICINE
You may begin taking medicine in pill form today. Please
tell your nurse how you are feeling.
TREATMENTS
IV
This may come out today.
Oximeter
This will still be checked regularly and oxygen may be
decreased.
Vital Signs
These will be checked at least four times a day.
ACTIVITY
The physical therapist will work with you on increasing
your activity without worsening your symptoms.
LEARNING
We will give you a book about COPD. We will talk to you
about your lungs and the things that might trigger symptoms.
We will talk about relaxation techniques. We will also
talk to you about medicines to help you control your lung
disease.
| Goals
for DAY 2 in the Hospital |
MEETINGS
The Discharge Planner will talk to you about needs you
may have when you go home. The Occupational Therapist
will meet with you today.
TESTS
You may have blood tests today.
MEALS
Same as yesterday.
MEDICINES
You may begin using an inhaler. All other medicines will
be in pill form.
TREATMENTS
Same as yesterday. We will talk with you about your needs
for home oxygen or medicines.
ACTIVITY
You will walk 10-25 feet. The nurses, physical and respiratory
therapists will help you to walk outside your room.
LEARNING
You will learn about healthy eating for people with lung
disease. We will talk with you about smoking cessation
and check you ability to use your inhaler on your own.
|
Goals for DAY 3 in the Hospital |
MEETINGS
The pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator will talk to
you about the program after discharge. If you have questions
and would like to talk to a pharmacist about your medicines,
or dietician about meal planning, or anyone else, let
your nurse know.
TESTS
Same as yesterday.
MEALS
Continue to progress to regular pulmonary meal plan.
MEDICINE
If you would like more information about your medicine,
tell your nurse or respiratory therapist.
TREATMENTS
Same as yesterday.
ACTIVITY
You will walk between 25 - 50 feet and climb 3 stairs.
This is done in order to improve your strength.
LEARNING
Many activities have included learning today. A physical
therapist will also review your home exercise plan with
you. Your nurse and/or a pharmacist will review your medicines
for home. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to
ask. You may also call the Pulmonary Rehab Coordinator
for any questions. Share any concerns you may have so
that we can make the move from the hospital to home easy
and less stressful.
MEETINGS
We will review instructions for home with you and your
family.
TESTS
A respiratory therapist will give you a pulmonary function
test.
MEALS, TREATMENTS, ACTIVITY
Same as yesterday. You will walk 50 feet.
MEDICINES
Same as yesterday.
LEARNING
Your home exercise program, pulmonary diet, home oxygen,
if planned, and warning signs to report to your doctor
will all be reviewed with you.
After you are home, the pulmonary rehab coordinator will
call you with the dates of your program and/or smoking
cessation classes, and to check on your recovery.
We hope your stay has gone smoothly, that you received
the care you needed, and that you have everything for
your return home. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Booklet compliments of the Patient/Family Education Council
4/2000
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