Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the many respiratory conditions which need to be properly handled to avert possibilities of it worsening off. In the same line, there is the need for a proper assessment of the patient to be done to assist in providing them with the required treatments. As such, the first step in the assessment phase will be establishing the symptoms of the condition. The commonest symptoms of the exacerbation of COPD include a fast and shallow breathing pattern, shortness of breath, coughing, incidences of low oxygen levels, feeling sleepy, wheezing and chest tightness and production of sputum when the patient coughs (Healthline, 2017).
The assessment techniques which I will employ on the patient will include the use of the ABCs which are related with cardiovascular and respiratory assessment of the patient’s thoracic cavity. Since Mary has aged, her lungs have become rigid resulting in the airway being small thereby decreasing the vital capacity (Jarvis, 2016). Therefore, as regards to A, I will check if the patient has got any problems regarding her airway and whether she experiences some form of dyspnoea (WHO, 2017). Concerning B, a spirometry test will be done on the patient to determine the extent of her airflow limits and the effects which it has on her breathing. Finally, regarding C, taking measurements regarding the arterial blood gas tensions will be essential in determining whether the patient has got any signs of respiratory failure which may lead to heart failure.
The first concern that the patient has regarding her smoking habit is the realization that she craves cigarettes most of the time. Addressing this problem will entail advising the patient to use prescription medication and nicotine replacement products which will lessen the urge to smoke and change the mindset she has regarding smoking for instance delaying any urges she may have by waiting for a few minutes before smoking (Australian Government Department of Health, 2012). As regards to the fears which she has concerning being kicked out of her daughter’s house for smoking, she may avoid such stress by keeping her hands busy every time she is in the house by either playing with her mobile phone of sipping on a bottle of water.
Community resources
The resource available for Mary is the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program which serves communities in Sumter County, Florida. This resource provides individuals with education regarding the ills of smoking and a free Quitline that individuals can use to have their issues addressed (Florida Department of Health, 2017). Additionally, the organization champions for having limits on the advertisement of tobacco. This resource is accessible, available and acceptable for Mary since she is a resident of Sumter County.
In order to ensure that Mary sticks to her smoking cessation program, I will encourage her to be visiting the healthcare facility fortnightly so that we can discuss the strides she has made regarding her habit.
References
Australian Government Department of Health. (2012). quitnow - Staying on Track and Coping strategies. Retrieved from http://www.quitnow.gov.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/Content/coping-strategies
Florida Department of Health. (2017). Tobacco Prevention and Control Program | Florida Department of Health in Sumter. Retrieved from http://sumter.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/Tobacco-Prevention/index.html
Healthline. (2017). COPD Exacerbations: Symptoms and Warning Signs. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/exacerbation-symptoms-and-warning-signs
Jarvis, C. (2016). Physical examination & health assessment (7 th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
WHO. (2017). WHO | COPD management. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/respiratory/copd/management/en/
