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

Nursing Best Practice GuidelineAppendix B: Glossary of TermsAgonist: A substance that mimics, stimulates or enhances the normal physiological response of the body.Beta 2 Agonist: A group of bronchodilators resulting in smooth muscle relaxation andbronchodilation through stimulation of ß 2 receptors found on airway smooth muscle.Bronchoconstriction: A narrowing of the airway caused by bronchial smooth musclecontraction (tightening) and airway inflammation (swelling).Bronchodilators: A category of medication that produce relaxation of the smooth musclessurrounding the bronchi, resulting in dilatation of the airways. See Relievers.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive and irreversiblecondition characterized by diminished inspiratory and expiratory capacity of the lungs. The personcomplains of dyspnea with physical exertion, difficulty in inhaling or exhaling deeply, and sometimesof a chronic cough. The condition may result from chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema,asthma, or chronic bronchiolitis and is aggravated by cigarette smoking and air pollution.Definition of Multidisciplinary versus InterdisciplinaryMultidisciplinary and interdisciplinary are terms that have been used interchangeably. However,when one examines the definitions more closely there are subtle differences. Garner’s definition ofmultidisciplinary describes the concept of the ‘gatekeeper’ where one determines which otherdisciplines are invited to participate in an independent, discipline-specific team that conductsseparate assessment, planning and provision of service with little coordination. This process involvesindependent decision-making rather than coordination of information (Garner, 1995).Interdisciplinary team processes establish collaborative team goals and produce a collaborativeservice plan where team members are involved in problem solving beyond the confines of theirdiscipline (Dyer, 2003).According to the American Heritage Dictionary (2000), multidisciplinary is defined as of, relating to,or making use of several disciplines at once: a multidisciplinary approach to teaching where as itdefines interdisciplinary as of, relating to, or involving two or more academic disciplines that areusually considered distinct.The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (1993) states that it is notnecessary for every member of a multidisciplinary team to assess each patient. However, thecollective knowledge, skills and clinical experiences of the professional staff should reflect themultidisciplinary expertise necessary to achieve the desired program and patient goals. Teamcommunication and interaction are vital to successful rehabilitation of the pulmonary patient.Dyspnea: Subjective symptom of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It is the most commondisabling symptom of COPD.91