Question

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min. While in the supine position for a bath, the patient complains of shortness of breath. Which action would the nurse take first?

1) Increase the flow of oxygen.
2) Perform tracheal suctioning.
3) Report this to the health care provider.
4) Assist the patient to semi-Fowler's position.

Answer 1

The first action a nurse should take when a COPD patient complains of shortness of breath while in the supine position is to help the patient into a semi-Fowler's position to ease their breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complains of shortness of breath while receiving oxygen at 2 L/min in a supine position, the first action a nurse should take is to assist the patient to a semi-Fowler's position. This position involves the patient sitting at a 30 to 45-degree angle, which can make breathing easier and improve lung expansion. It is more effective and immediate than adjusting the oxygen flow, performing tracheal suctioning, or reporting to a healthcare provider, which may be subsequent steps depending on the patient's response.