The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with COPD, who is having difficulty breathing. Which actions can the nurse take to provide support? Select all that apply

C. The spacer helps to deliver more medication to the lungs by holding the medication in the chamber, allowing the patient to inhale it more slowly and deeply. This results in better deposition of the medication in the lower airways and reduces the amount of medication that is deposited in the mouth and throat.
A. The primary purpose of the spacer is to increase the amount of medication that reaches the lungs and to reduce the amount deposited in the oropharynx (throat). The spacer helps to ensure that more medication is delivered directly to the airways where it is needed, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment and reducing side effects.

B. The exhalation slots or vents on a spacer are designed to allow the patient to exhale easily without removing the device from the mouth. The lips should form a tight seal around the mouthpiece of the spacer to ensure effective inhalation, but the exhalation slots should not be intentionally covered.
D. When using a spacer with an MDI, the patient should inhale slowly and deeply. Rapid inhalation can cause the medication to be deposited in the upper airways rather than reaching the lungs. A slow and deep inhalation allows for better medication delivery to the lower airways.

B. Bronchodilators are medications commonly used to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow in patients with COPD. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. Providing bronchodilators as prescribed can help alleviate difficulty breathing and improve the patient's respiratory function.
D. Smoking cessation is essential for patients with COPD as smoking is the leading cause of the disease and can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Quitting smoking can slow the progression of COPD, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and improve overall lung function.
E. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications commonly used to reduce airway inflammation and control exacerbations in patients with COPD. They can help improve breathing and reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms during acute exacerbations.
A. Offering small frequent meals can help reduce the sensation of fullness and bloating, which can sometimes occur in patients with COPD due to increased abdominal pressure from compromised respiratory function. However, this is not specific to COPD.
C. Weaning from oxygen should be done cautiously and under the guidance of healthcare providers but not in the state of difficulty in breathing. Oxygen therapy is often necessary for patients with COPD who experience difficulty breathing, especially during acute exacerbations. Therefore, weaning from oxygen may be appropriate once the patient's respiratory status stabilizes and oxygen saturation levels improve.