Category: Respiratory care

According to the World Health Organization, COPD is the third leading cause of death globally. For those living with this condition, specialized care is essential. So, what is the focus of COPD nursing? It is centered on improving patient outcomes through comprehensive symptom management, patient education, and proactive prevention of exacerbations.

A chest tube is an indispensable medical device for draining the pleural space. To understand its function and importance, it's essential to know **where exactly is a chest tube placed** and the critical anatomy involved in this life-saving procedure.

According to WebMD, an incentive spirometer can be bought from retailers like Walmart or Amazon and helps improve lung health. Find out the definitive answer to the question, 'Does Walmart have an incentive spirometer?', and what options are available for those seeking to improve their respiratory function.

Did you know that medical professionals have used auscultation—the process of listening to internal body sounds—for centuries? Learning how to check your lungs with a stethoscope is a foundational skill that offers a basic understanding of respiratory function.

According to respiratory care experts, maintaining a clear airway is critical for many patients who cannot clear their own secretions. A set of specific tools and safety protocols is required to perform oronasal suctioning effectively and without causing harm. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what equipment is needed for oronasal suctioning, detailing each component and its role in the process.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a comprehensive cystic fibrosis treatment plan can help people with the condition live longer, more fulfilling lives by maintaining their health. A personalized management plan for cystic fibrosis is essential and typically involves a combination of therapies tailored to an individual's specific health needs and goals.

The correct positioning for a chest drain is a critical factor in ensuring its effectiveness, influenced by the underlying condition, such as a pneumothorax or a pleural effusion. While there is no single 'best' position for every situation, clinical guidelines provide specific recommendations based on the patient's stability and the substance being drained. Understanding these nuances is key to promoting patient comfort and achieving optimal drainage.

According to the American Lung Association, a normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Understanding this baseline is fundamental for nurses learning how to describe breathing pattern in nursing and recognizing when a patient's respiration indicates a significant change in their health status.

According to research published in the *International Journal of Nursing Knowledge*, the nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Breathing Pattern (IBP) has been clinically validated and included in the NANDA-International (NANDA-I) taxonomy since 1980. This diagnosis is defined as "inspiration and/or expiration that does not provide adequate ventilation" and is crucial for guiding evidence-based care in various patient populations.

Every cell in the human body requires oxygen to function properly and produce energy. When certain medical conditions cause low blood oxygen levels, a treatment known as O2 medicine, or oxygen therapy, can provide crucial supplemental oxygen to help restore normal bodily function and prevent long-term damage.