Question

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has COPD. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Schedule respiratory treatments following meals.
B. Have the client sit up in a chair for 2-hr periods three times per day.
C. Provide a diet that is high in calories and protein.
D. Combine activities to allow for longer rest periods between activities.

Answer 1

In a care plan for a COPD patient, including a diet high in calories and protein is crucial, scheduling treatments around meals should be carefully timed, and planning activities to ensure ample rest is beneficial.

Step-by-step explanation:

When creating a plan of care for a client who has COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), it is essential to consider interventions that manage symptoms and improve the client's quality of life. One key intervention would be to provide a diet that is high in calories and protein (C), as people with COPD may experience weight loss and muscle wasting, and a nutritious diet is vital for maintaining strength and health. While sitting up in a chair (B) can be beneficial for lung expansion and breathing, specifying 2-hour periods without mentioning the client's tolerance could be excessive. Scheduling respiratory treatments following meals (A) could be counterproductive since full meals may make breathing more difficult due to diaphragmatic pressure; this should be avoided or adequately timed. Lastly, combining activities to allow for longer rest periods (D) is a reasonable approach as it helps conserve energy and avoid fatigue, which is characteristic of COPD patients.