Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to be a signifi cant problem in the United States. In fact, despite efforts to educate people about the risks of smoking, COPD has become the country’s fouth leading cause of death. This activity discusses how COPD can become exacerbated and how to recognize exacerbation, reviews environmental factors that can benefi t breathing, and discusses the importance of smoking cessation and how the nursing assistant can assist a resident in quitting smoking. The presentation focuses on breathing and relaxation techniques for people with COPD.

Content level: Intermediate/advanced

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to: identify signs and symptoms that exacerbate COPD.

identify at least three environmental factors that may impair or benefi t breathing.

identify strategies to encourage and support smoking cessation.

describe how positioning, breathing, and relaxation can help control acute episodes of shortness of breath.

identify exercises that can improve the patient’s respiratory condition.