Nursing Care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Pneumothorax: Case study of patients in Ranong Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the nursing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pneumothorax 2 patients admitted to the Ranong Hospital inpatient department. Data was collected from medical records and through interviews with patients and their families. The data was then analyzed using a health pattern model to compare the pathophysiology, symptoms, treatment, nursing care plan, and evaluation outcomes in 3 phases: critical phases, recovery phases, and pre-sale period.

Results Two male Thai patients with COPD and Pneumothorax were compared. Case 1: Thai male patient, age 65 years old. The main symptom is severe shortness of breath that did not improve with inhales for 3 hours prior. Diagnosed with COPD and Pneumothorax. Case 2: Thai male patient, age 68 years old. The main symptom is shortness of breath, generalized edema, and severe abdominal pain that had been worsening for 1 day. Diagnosed with COPD with Pneumothorax with Nephrotic syndrome. In the crisis phase, the patient received nursing care by receiving enough oxygen, controlling water and electrolyte balance, giving antibiotics and intravenous fluids, preventing complications, and reducing the anxiety of patients and relatives. Therefore, nurses have knowledge, skills, and special expertise in caring for critical and normal patients to plan nursing practices according to standards consistent with the treatment plan from the first admission until discharge to keep patient safety and reduce readmission to the hospital.