Nursing Care of Dyspnea: The 6th Vital Sign in Individuals with ...

Nursing Care of Dyspnea: The 6th Vital Sign in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)I Feel Different (environment/stress)My SymptomsMy Actions■ I am more short of breath than usual■ I may have sputum, a cough or a wheezeI have been exposed to . . .. . . Stressful Situation ■ I use my breathing techniques and try to relax first.■ I position my body so I am less short of breath.■ I take _____ puffs of ____________.. . . Pollutants, Sudden Changes in Temperature, ■ I take _____ puffs of ____________ and repeat eachHumidity, Wind or Strong Exercise20 to 45 minutes, for 2 to 3 times.■ I avoid or decrease exposure to these factors.■ I use my breathing techniques and try to relax.I Feel Different (respiratory infection)I have at Least 2 of the Following SymptomsMy actions■ Increased shortness of breath.■ Increased volume of sputum.■ Yellow or green sputumI have developed . . .. . . a Respiratory Infection I increase my inhaled bronchodilators as recommendedby my doctor. I notify my contact person or doctor for advice. I take my antibiotic and my anti-inflammatory asrecommended by my doctor.My Additional Treatment is . . .Bronchodilators Dose #puffs/pills Frequency # of daysAntibiotic Dose pills Frequency # of daysAnti-Inflammatory Dose #puffs/pills Frequency # of days130