Nursing Care of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients with Comorbidities : Case Study

Abstract

This case study aimed to analyze the nursing care of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated by comorbid conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis and hyperlipidemia, which contributed to complex and challenging treatment. The selected case involved a patient experiencing acute exacerbation with complications requiring close monitoring by nurses and a multidisciplinary healthcare team. The nursing care process followed the five-step nursing process- assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation across three phases: critical, recovery, and discharge preparation.

The results revealed that the patient was able to manage dyspnea, reduce the risk of hypoxemia, and prevent recurrence. Key interventions included pulmonary rehabilitation, appropriate pharmacological management considering comorbidities, nutritional support, and continuity of care after discharge. Nurses played a crucial role in coordinating with the multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care and in empowering the patient and family to participate in self-care.

Therefore, a holistic chronic disease patient care system should be promoted, and continuous post-discharge care models should be developed by establishing communication networks between hospitals and families, including creating guidelines for assessing readiness for discharge. This aims to improve quality of life, reduce readmission rates, and build a sustainable healthcare system.