Nursing Care For Patients With Respiratory Disorders
Nursing Care For Patients With Respiratory Disorders
Nursing Care For Patients With Respiratory Disorders
I. Introduction
Respiratory disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the lungs and airways, making it
difficult for individuals to breathe properly. These disorders can range from mild to severe and
can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Respiratory disorders are prevalent worldwide,
with millions of people suffering from conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), and acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS).
As a result, nursing care is crucial in the management and treatment of patients with respiratory
disorders. Nurses play a vital role in assessing patients, administering medications, implementing
respiratory therapies, educating patients, and providing psychosocial support. This lecture will
discuss nursing care for patients with respiratory disorders, including assessment, interventions,
patient education, interprofessional collaboration, and future directions in respiratory care.
Assessment is the first step in the management of patients with respiratory disorders. It involves
obtaining a comprehensive medical history and performing a physical examination to identify the
underlying cause of the respiratory problem. Diagnostic tests may also be ordered to confirm the
diagnosis.
A. History-taking and Physical Examination During the history-taking phase, the nurse should
ask the patient about their symptoms, including the onset, duration, and severity. The nurse
should also inquire about any past respiratory illnesses, allergies, smoking history, and
medication use. The physical examination should include a thorough inspection of the chest,
evaluation of respiratory rate and pattern, auscultation of breath sounds, and assessment of
oxygen saturation levels.
B. Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory Disorders Diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans,
pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and sputum cultures may be ordered to
confirm the diagnosis of a respiratory disorder.
Common Respiratory Disorders and Their Assessment The assessment of respiratory disorders
depends on the specific condition. Common respiratory disorders include:
Asthma: assessment includes monitoring respiratory rate, peak expiratory flow rate, and
use of accessory muscles.
NAME : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
COPD: assessment includes monitoring respiratory rate, lung sounds, and oxygen
saturation levels.
Pneumonia: assessment includes monitoring respiratory rate, lung sounds, and
temperature.
TB: Assessment includes monitoring respiratory rate and lung sounds and evaluating for
signs of systemic infection.
ARDS: assessment includes monitoring respiratory rate, oxygen saturation levels, and
lung sounds.
Nursing interventions for patients with respiratory disorders aim to improve respiratory function,
manage symptoms, and prevent complications. The following are common nursing interventions
that may be used to manage patients with respiratory disorders:
B. Airway Management Airway management involves the use of techniques to clear secretions,
maintain airway patency, and improve ventilation. Techniques include coughing and deep
breathing exercises, suctioning, and the use of mechanical ventilation.
D. Chest Physiotherapy Chest physiotherapy involves techniques to improve lung expansion and
airway clearance. Examples include chest percussion and vibration, postural drainage, and
breathing exercises.
E. Positioning and Mobility Proper positioning and mobility can improve respiratory function
and prevent complications such as pneumonia. The nurse should encourage patients to sit upright
or in a semi-fowler's position, and encourage mobility and exercise as tolerated.
NAME : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
F. Nutrition and Fluid Management Patients with respiratory disorders may require increased
calorie and fluid intake to meet their energy needs and prevent dehydration. The nurse should
monitor the patient's nutritional and fluid status and provide appropriate interventions as needed.
G. Psychosocial Support Patients with respiratory disorders may experience anxiety, depression,
and social isolation. The nurse should provide emotional support, educate the patient and their
family about the condition, and refer the patient to appropriate resources as needed.
Overall, nursing interventions for patients with respiratory disorders are tailored to the patient's
specific condition and aim to improve respiratory function, manage symptoms, and prevent
complications.
Nursing care for specific respiratory disorders may vary depending on the condition. The
following are examples of nursing care for common respiratory disorders:
A. Asthma
Monitor respiratory rate, peak expiratory flow rate, and use of accessory muscles.
Administer bronchodilators and corticosteroids as ordered.
Educate the patient about triggers and how to avoid them.
Teach the patient the proper use of inhalers and spacers.
Develop an asthma action plan with the patient and their healthcare provider.
B. COPD
C. Pneumonia
D. tuberculosis (TB)
Monitor respiratory rate and lung sounds, and evaluate for signs of systemic infection.
Administer anti-tuberculosis medications as ordered.
Educate the patient about the importance of medication compliance and potential side
effects.
Encourage coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Implement appropriate isolation precautions to prevent transmission.
Overall, nursing care for specific respiratory disorders should be tailored to the patient's
individual needs and treatment plan. The nurse should monitor the patient's symptoms,
administer appropriate medications and therapies, and provide education and support to the
patient and their family.
Patient education is an essential component of nursing care for patients with respiratory
disorders. The following are key topics that should be covered during patient education:
A. Medication Use
Teach the patient about the purpose and potential side effects of their medications.
Instruct the patient on proper medication administration, including how to use inhalers
and spacers.
Encourage the patient to keep a record of their medication use and refill prescriptions as
needed.
B. Disease Management
Educate the patient about their respiratory disorder, including symptoms, triggers, and
treatment options.
Teach the patient how to monitor their symptoms and when to seek medical attention.
NAME : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
Encourage the patient to follow their treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments.
C. Lifestyle Modifications
Teach the patient about lifestyle modifications that can improve respiratory function,
such as smoking cessation, a healthy diet, and exercise.
Encourage the patient to avoid triggers, such as allergens and pollutants.
Instruct the patient on proper hand hygiene to prevent infection.
D. Oxygen Therapy
Educate the patient about the purpose and use of oxygen therapy.
Instruct the patient on how to use oxygen equipment safely and effectively.
Teach the patient about potential side effects of oxygen therapy and when to seek medical
attention.
E. Prevention of Complications
Overall, patient education is crucial for promoting self-management and improving outcomes for
patients with respiratory disorders. The nurse should provide education in a clear and
understandable manner, using visual aids and other resources as needed.
A. Pulmonologist
B. Respiratory Therapist
works with the primary care provider and pulmonologist to manage the patient's care.
prescribes medications and treatments as needed.
monitors the patient's condition and communicates with the healthcare team regarding
any changes.
coordinates the patient's overall care and communicates with other healthcare
professionals involved in the patient's care.
prescribes medications and orders diagnostic tests as needed.
refers the patient to specialists as appropriate.
E. Physical Therapist
assists with pulmonary rehabilitation, which may include exercise, breathing exercises,
and education on self-management.
works with the patient to improve physical endurance and strength, which can improve
respiratory function.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, nursing care for patients with respiratory disorders involves assessment, nursing
interventions, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration. An accurate assessment of
the patient's respiratory status is crucial for developing a care plan that addresses the patient's
individual needs. Nursing interventions such as airway management, oxygen therapy, and
pulmonary hygiene can help improve respiratory function and prevent complications. Patient
NAME : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133