Practical Nursing Diploma Program
Pre-Clinical Nursing Care Research Assignment
“Prep and Plan”
The Pre-Clinical “Prep and Plan” must be completed and submitted to your clinical faculty at the beginning of each clinical shift. This information will ensure that you are adequately prepared for your patient assignment.
Medical-Surgical Diagnoses:
COPD – a chronic inflammatory lung disease, causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms – breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing.
Causes – long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, cigarette smoke.
Exacerbation – a worsening of symptoms.
Anticipated assessment data for this patient:
- Vital signs 4. Past and present medical history
- Lungs assessment 5. Heart assessment
- ADL 6. Pain assessment
List 2 priority “NANDA” Nursing Diagnoses based on the above assessment data:
- Ineffective breathing pattern related to COPD diagnosis as evidenced by productive cough, difficulty breathing and fever
- Risk for decreased cardiac output as evidenced by difficulty breathing
Identify specific nursing interventions to support these priority nursing diagnoses: (action plan)
- Educate patient on impact of smoking 4. Develop breathing exercises for client
- Monitor vital signs 5. Educate on how to properly take medications.
- Review medication or need of oxygen 6. Encourage healthylifestyle
Based on your prep & plan what will you pay special attention to: (What do you see as the patient’s priority issue?)
My priority will be to prevent other exacerbation by monitoring closely the vitals signs, especially SPO2 and respiratory rate. Making sure SPO2 stays between 88-92.
What teaching do you think your patient will require?
The patient will require teaching on how to properly take inhalers and medications as well as the importance of a healthy lifestyle and smoking cessation when it comes with COPD.
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, April 15). COPD. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
