A nurse develops a care plan for a COPD patient. Which intervention should be included?

A nurse develops a care plan for a COPD patient. Which intervention should be included?

• A. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing
• B. Restrict the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day
• C. Provide the client with a low-protein diet
• D. Have the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity

Answer: (A)

Pursed-lip breathing helps manage COPD by improving ventilation during expiration. Inhale slowly through the nose, then exhale through pursed lips for a longer duration than the inhale. This creates a gentle back-pressure in the airways, keeping them open longer, reducing air trapping, lowering the work of breathing, and often easing dyspnea. It’s a practical, nonpharmacologic skill patients can use during coughing or activity to feel more in control. Hydration is important in COPD to help thin secretions, so restricting fluids isn’t advised. A low-protein diet isn’t indicated because maintaining muscle mass is important in COPD, especially with fatigue. Exercise should be encouraged, but the timing should be tailored to the patient’s daily rhythm rather than defaulting to early morning.

Pursed-lip breathing helps manage COPD by improving ventilation during expiration. Inhale slowly through the nose, then exhale through pursed lips for a longer duration than the inhale. This creates a gentle back-pressure in the airways, keeping them open longer, reducing air trapping, lowering the work of breathing, and often easing dyspnea. It’s a practical, nonpharmacologic skill patients can use during coughing or activity to feel more in control.

Hydration is important in COPD to help thin secretions, so restricting fluids isn’t advised. A low-protein diet isn’t indicated because maintaining muscle mass is important in COPD, especially with fatigue. Exercise should be encouraged, but the timing should be tailored to the patient’s daily rhythm rather than defaulting to early morning.