PathWell Home Healthcare COPD Protocol
PathWell’s in-Home Healthcare Adheres to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Protocols to Help Minimize the Impact of the Patient’s Condition
PathWell Home Health COPD Goals of Care
- Patient will be free of respiratory infection
- Dyspnea will decrease
- Reduced anxiety and restlessness
- Patient will have clear lung sounds
- Patient / Caregiver will manage orthopnea
- Specific diet education
- Patient / Caregiver will demonstrate safe, effective use of medications, and inhalation treatments (if ordered)
- Reduce rate of hospitalization
The COPD Patient and Caregiver Will be Instructed on the Following:
- Monitoring any changes in the sputum quality, volume, color, and consistency
- When to notify physician or RN with a temperature outside of MD established parameters
- Incision management including signs and symptoms of infection
- Cough and deep breathing exercises
- Incentive spirometry (if ordered)
- Use of oxygen (if ordered)
- Anxiety / stress reduction and management techniques
- Position of comfort (i.e., raise HOB, elevate head with pillows)
- Diet and / or nutritional supplementation education
- Medication management / adherence and proper use of inhalation treatment (if ordered)
- Smoking cessation and avoidance of lung irritants
Key Assessment Points for COPD Patients:
- Sputum production changes
- Respiratory rate and breathing pattern
- Jugular vein distention and peripheral edema
- Vital signs, pulse oximetry, and evidence of accessory muscle use
- Signs of orthopnea
- Increased weakness and fatigue
- Activity tolerance / intolerance
- Nutritional status
- Medication adherence