Abstract
The maintenance of health (homeostasis) and the occurrence of
disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are
acquired through nature-nurture interactions. The inherited genotype
of a person is responsible for producing a deficiency of enzymes
called anti-proteases, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin, which protect lung
tissue—or for producing an excess of enzymes, such as proteases,
which destroy lung tissue. Smoking is discussed in this paper, since
it is a major risk factor in the development of COPD, a condition
affecting 3 million people in the UK. Research into genetics is
beginning to indicate that smoking behaviour may be linked to some
form of genetic disposition. Such an association would help health
professionals deliver a more patient-centred smoking cessation service.
This paper argues that the nurse, in this educator role, can only be
considered a partial agent of homeostatic control with patients who
have COPD, due to the progressive nature of this disease.