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
The NP responded to a case of moderate, stable COPD in accordance with current, evidence-based guidelines--using a range of measures to assess ease severity, prescribing accordingly, fully explaining the disease to the patient, and providing important information on symptom management. This article review the evidence and recommendations on which these clinical actions were based; discuss the essential features, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of COPD; and provide an education tool for patients.