Mr Bates would not only need pharmalogical support at this time but would need emotional support as well. Shortness of breath increases anxiety a great deal and this can cause further problems with breathing. Therapeutic touch would play a big role in decreasing anxiety. Simple use of therapeutic touch would be beneficial in this case as it does not require verbal communication and reassurance which Mr Bates would struggle with as he is short of breath (Doherty et al, 2006). Relaxation techniques like pursed lip breathing and reassurance would help steady breathing (Upton, 2013). Nursing staff can also take simple measures to aid breathing. Positioning Mr Bates in the Fowler position, sat up at 90 degree angle, would help breathing (Salihoglu et al, 2008).
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As mentioned above communication with Physiotherapists would be useful as they could provide Mr Bates with chest physiotherapy to help him minimise build-up of secretions and reduce risk of further infections (Mandal et al, 2012). However any recovery is impaired if Mr Bates does not stop smoking. Smoking will decrease lung function much faster than in non-smoking COPD patients and increases the risk of further exacerbations. A long term plan would be for the MDT to refer him to smoking cessation (Barnett,
As mentioned above communication with Physiotherapists would be useful as they could provide Mr Bates with chest physiotherapy to help him minimise build-up of secretions and reduce risk of further infections (Mandal et al, 2012). However any recovery is impaired if Mr Bates does not stop smoking. Smoking will decrease lung function much faster than in non-smoking COPD patients and increases the risk of further exacerbations. A long term plan would be for the MDT to refer him to smoking cessation (Barnett,