The NP strongly encourages Ms.Pierce to quit smoking and refers her to a
smoking - cessation program, prescribes a long-acting bronchodilator, orders influenza and pneumonia vaccination, and enrolls her in a pulmonary-rehabilitation program. After explaining the pathophysiology of COPD, he goes over patient education materials that detail the proper use of COPD medications; how to monitor symptoms; and the importance of smoking cessation, good nutrition, and general wellness in COPD management (see what you need to know if you're diagnosed with COPD: pointers for patients, also available online at http://links.lww.com/AJN/A40). He also instructs Ms.Pieece to return for a follow-up visit in one month