Question

In October 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expanded readmission penalties to include those patients admitted with an exacerbation of COPD. Patient education is a key component in preventing readmission. *What is the priority teaching intervention that the nurse must implement for these patients and how will it play a role in preventing readmission? COPD is a chronic obstructive lung disease characterized by obstruction of lung air flow that interferes with normal breathing. It can present with signs and symptoms of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Exposure to tobacco smoke accounts for 80-90% of causes of COPD. (Hinkle, 2014) Encouraging smoking cessation will lead to the improvement of symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. It will also improve the effectiveness of medications such as corticoids -which work better if the patient does not smoke. Reducing the amount of smoking is the first goal, with eventually a complete cessation. The use of nicotine replacement is beneficial to many. Support groups are another way to help quit the habit. Having others that are facing the same obstacle - can work together to beat their addiction. Participation in exercise training programs which would promote increased exercise tolerance and decreased fatigue. Educating usage of an inhaler and techniques to use one would be helpful in times of COPD exacerbation. Practicing strengthening exercises would help to expand the lungs. All these would work hand in hand to help prevent readmissions. *Identify a member of the inter-professional team and a teaching point that they can contribute to the teaching plan. A member who would be a key part in the interpersonal team would be the respiratory therapist. They could develop an exercise plan tailored to the patient and breathing exercises which could reduce respiratory rate, increase alveolar ventilation, and sometimes help to expel as much air as possible during expiration. ( Hinkle, 2014) Pursed lip breathing is an example of a way patients can control the rate and depth of respiration.

Explain how this teaching priority and interprofessional team member will help prevent a 30-day readmission for this client.

Answer 1

Answer: The teaching priority and interprofessional team members can help to prevent readmission as the teaching includes quitting smoking as it increases the problem in the lungs. Exercise makes body fit nad nad supply oxygen to the lungs. These teachings will improve the condition of the person suffering from COPD and hence prevents the readmission.