Final answer:
Preoperative management of COPD includes smoking cessation, optimizing medication, and pulmonary rehabilitation aimed at improving lung function and reducing surgery risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preoperative management of COPD involves smoking cessation, optimization of medications, and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function before surgery.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires careful management, especially in the preoperative phase to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and cessation is crucial even after diagnosis, as it slows the disease progression. Pharmacologically, inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids are optimized to improve respiratory function. Pulmonary rehabilitation may also be recommended to enhance exercise tolerance and overall respiratory health. Patient education about the disease, proper inhaler techniques, and the importance of adherence to therapies is essential.
Oxygen supplementation might be necessary for some patients, based on their oxygen saturation levels and symptoms of hypoxemia. As there's no cure for COPD, these management strategies aim to stabilize the patient's condition and reduce the risk of operative and postoperative complications.