Abstract
The aim of this study was to answer the question: is there an effect on the respiratory capacity and activity tolerance of older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme? Pulmonary rehabilitation is now an integral part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. Evidence supports the positive effects of breath training and exercising training on quality of life, exercise tolerance and improved physical condition of individual with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Limited empirical documentation exists to support the effectiveness of a nurse managed rehabilitation programme for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study was done to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation provided by nurses on the pulmonary function, gas exchange and exercise tolerance in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A one group pre-test-post-test design was used to evaluate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. The sample consisted of 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme including breathing exercises, upper-limb exercises and inspiratory muscle training. The findings indicated improvement in exercise performance and a decrease in dyspnea after participation in the pulmonary rehabilitation programme. The clinical nurse can make a significant impact on the illness trajectory and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse has a critical role in helping patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease learn to cope, adjust and adapt to life with a chronic illness. Active nurse involvement with a patient in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme can assist in the identification of factors that motivate the patient, help in establishing realistic out comes expectations and provide patient teaching opportunities. The nurse can assist the patient to develop skills of self-awareness regarding particular symptoms, self-monitoring and health status change identification.
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