General Nursing©

EMPHYSEMA

In a patient with emphysema, nurses usually provide the following interventions:

• Check the ABG's and spirometry
• Low-flow oxygen via a venturi mask

Caution:
Unlike other persons (whose stimulus to breathe is rising CO2 levels,) the respiratory drive in a person with COPD is activated by CO2 level. Thus, if supplemental oxygen is administered in large amount and without frequent observations, the person with COPD may stop breathing.

• Bronchodilators (e.g. aminophylline, and Isuprel, or Bronkosol)
  

Caution:
Aminophylline and Isuprel are administered alternately rather than together to minimize side effects (e.g. tachycardias and arrhythmias.):

• Hydration, IV fluids
• Chest physiotheraphy and/ or postural drainage
• Obtain sputum specimen, chest x-ray
• Be prepared to intubate and ventilate
• Antibiotics may be used.

Emphysema is an incapacitating incurable disease in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) become damaged, becoming less elastic and efficient. As the lungs lose their efficiency, less oxygen is absorbed, and the person is persistently short of breath. The disorder, which generally results from constant respiratory irritation that is often due to heavy smoking, is characterized by breathing difficulty. Emphysema may develop and coexists with chronic bronchitis.

1 2 3 4 Pages