COPD Research Paper

Nursing assistants need to know many things when taking care of someone with COPD. Nursing assistants legally need to know about advanced directives, and living wills. They need to know these things because COPD is chronic and the person under our care may die from the disease. Nursing assistants need to know what the persons wishes are if they do pass.

Individuals with COPD may have issues with communicating because they have difficulty breathing. Nursing assistants need to recognize this and be patient. Nursing assistants need good communication skills when dealing with someone who has a chronic illness like COPD. Likely the individual knows they're going to die from it. Nursing assistants can try to comfort them and communicate with them.

Infection control

They may need a lighter oxygen tank. They may need a handicap sticker for their vehicle if they are unable to walk far distances without getting shortness of breath. They may need to be in an area without pollutants, or have access to a mask if someone has the flu and are around them. Nursing assistants should report to their supervisor if the individual with COPD has ideas about accommodations that would suit them.

People with COPD may have issues with mobility. They may have exercises on their care plan that deal with mobility. Nursing assistant would have to follow those exercises according to the person's care plan. They must also make sure, because they may not be very mobile they're not developing pressure ulcers.

Nutritional considerations people with COPD would likely need a healthy diet, nursing assistants should follow the dietician's nutritional plan for the individual. Elimination and urination may be a problem with COPD, when a person with COPD may cough they may become incontinent. Nursing assistants should make sure when they are taking care of someone who has incontinence because of their COPD and checking them