Question

A client has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To decrease the risk of CO2 intoxication (CO2 narcosis), the nurse should:

Answer 1

To decrease the risk of CO2 intoxication in a client with COPD, the nurse should focus on optimizing respiratory function and minimizing CO2 retention. This can be achieved through various interventions including administering bronchodilator medications, encouraging breathing exercises, promoting smoking cessation, and providing supplemental oxygen therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

To decrease the risk of CO2 intoxication (CO2 narcosis) in a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the nurse should focus on optimizing respiratory function and minimizing CO2 retention. Some interventions to achieve this include:

1. Administering bronchodilator medications to improve airway function and decrease air trapping, which reduces CO2 retention. Examples of bronchodilators include albuterol and tiotropium.
2. Encouraging deep breathing exercises and pursed-lip breathing to promote effective gas exchange and prevent CO2 buildup. This can help the client breathe out more CO2 and inhale more oxygen.
3. Educating the client on smoking cessation as smoking is a major risk factor for COPD and exacerbates respiratory symptoms. Quitting smoking can slow down the progression of COPD and improve respiratory function.
4. Providing supplemental oxygen therapy as prescribed to increase oxygen levels and prevent CO2 buildup. Oxygen therapy should be closely monitored to avoid oxygen toxicity and maintain appropriate oxygen saturation levels.