🫁 Medical-Surgical Nursing Care Plan on COPD

Medical-Surgical Nursing | NANDA Nursing Care Plan Format

COPD Nursing | Practical File Ready

⚠️ Educational Purpose Only: This nursing care plan is for academic practical file preparation. Not for actual patient care or clinical decision-making.

📋 Student Information

Student Name[Your Name]
CourseBSc Nursing / GNM / ANM
SubjectMedical-Surgical Nursing
TopicCOPD — Medical-Surgical Nursing Care Plan
FormatNANDA-I Nursing Care Plan Format
Date of Submission[Enter Date]
Clinical Instructor[Instructor Name]

📄 Page 1 — Patient Identification Data

NameMr. Mohan Lal Sharma
Age65 Years
SexMale
AddressJodhpur, Rajasthan
OccupationRetired Factory Worker
Marital StatusMarried
Religion/CategoryHindu / General
Annual Income₹3,60,000/-
Medical DiagnosisChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Acute Exacerbation
Type of FamilyJoint Family
Family Size6 Members
Ward NameMedical Ward / Respiratory Unit
Bed Number12
Doctor InchargeDr. R. K. Mehta, MD Medicine
Date of Admission10/03/2026
Hospital NameGovernment Medical College Hospital, Jodhpur

📄 Page 2 — Chief Complaints & Clinical History

CHIEF COMPLAINTS

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS

Mr. Mohan Lal Sharma, a 65-year-old male, was admitted to the medical ward with complaints of progressive breathlessness, productive cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. The patient was apparently stable until 5 days before admission, when he developed increased shortness of breath while walking and climbing stairs. Gradually, breathlessness increased even during rest and routine activities.

The cough was productive, associated with thick yellowish sputum, especially in the morning. The patient also complained of wheezing, chest tightness, disturbed sleep, and fatigue. He had a low-grade fever for 2 days before admission. He used his prescribed inhaler at home, but symptoms were not relieved adequately. Therefore, he was brought to the hospital by his son.

On admission, the patient was conscious and oriented but appeared anxious and dyspneic. Respiratory rate was increased, accessory muscles of respiration were used, and oxygen saturation was reduced on room air. The patient was diagnosed as a case of COPD with acute exacerbation and started on oxygen therapy, nebulization, antibiotics, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and supportive nursing care.

PAST MEDICAL HISTORY

PAST SURGICAL HISTORY

📄 Page 3 — Family History & Composition

FAMILY HISTORY

FAMILY COMPOSITION

Name Age/Sex Education Occupation Marital Status Relationship Health Status
Mr. Mohan Lal Sharma65/MSecondaryRetired Factory WorkerMarriedSelf / PatientCOPD with Acute Exacerbation
Mrs. Kamla Devi60/FPrimaryHousewifeMarriedWifeHealthy
Mr. Suresh Sharma36/MGraduateShopkeeperMarriedSonOccasional smoker
Mrs. Neha Sharma32/FGraduateHousewifeMarriedDaughter-in-lawHealthy
Master Rohan Sharma10/MClass 5StudentUnmarriedGrandsonHealthy
Miss Kavya Sharma7/FClass 2StudentUnmarriedGranddaughterHealthy

FAMILY TREE

👴
Mr. Mohan Lal Sharma
Self / Patient
COPD with Acute Exacerbation
👵
Mrs. Kamla Devi
Wife
Healthy
👨
Mr. Suresh Sharma
Son
Occasional smoker
👩
Mrs. Neha Sharma
Daughter-in-law
Healthy
👦
Master Rohan Sharma
Grandson
Healthy
👧
Miss Kavya Sharma
Granddaughter
Healthy

📄 Page 4 — Dietary, Personal, Socio-Economic & Environmental History

DIETARY HISTORY

PERSONAL HISTORY

SOCIO-ECONOMIC HISTORY

ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY

📄 Page 5 & 6 — Physical Examination

GENERAL CONDITION

Patient is conscious, oriented to time, place, and person. Patient appears anxious, dyspneic, and fatigued. He is sitting in semi-Fowler’s position and using accessory muscles of respiration. Cough with sputum is present.

VITAL SIGNS

GENERAL APPEARANCE

SYSTEMIC EXAMINATION

Respiratory System Respiratory rate 30/min, prolonged expiration, bilateral wheeze present, coarse crepitations heard, use of accessory muscles present, SpO₂ 88% on room air.
Cardiovascular System Pulse 104/min, regular rhythm, BP 146/88 mmHg, S1 and S2 audible, no murmur heard, peripheral pulses palpable.
Neurological System Patient is conscious and oriented. GCS 15/15. Pupils equal and reacting to light. No focal neurological deficit observed.
Skin Skin warm, mild cyanosis of lips noted, no edema, no rashes, skin turgor normal.
Head & Face Face appears anxious and tired. No facial asymmetry. No swelling noted.
Eyes Conjunctiva pink, sclera white, pupils equal and reactive to light, vision apparently normal.
Ear External ear normal, no discharge, hearing normal.
Nose Nostrils patent, no nasal discharge, nasal flaring present during dyspnea.
Mouth & Pharynx Oral mucosa slightly dry, lips mildly cyanosed, throat congestion absent, oral hygiene satisfactory.
Neck No lymph node enlargement, trachea central, no thyroid enlargement, accessory neck muscles used during respiration.
Chest Barrel-shaped chest present, chest expansion reduced bilaterally, prolonged expiratory phase, wheeze and crepitations heard on auscultation.
Abdomen Abdomen soft and non-tender, no organomegaly, bowel sounds present.
Extremities No pedal edema, mild clubbing present, peripheral pulses palpable, capillary refill less than 3 seconds.

📄 Page 7 — Vital Signs Monitoring Record

DATE/TIME TEMP (°F) PULSE (/min) RESP (/min) BP (mmHg) SpO₂ (%) REMARKS
10/03/2026 — 9:00 AM 99.4°F 104/min 30/min 146/88 88% RA Dyspnea, wheezing present
10/03/2026 — 1:00 PM 99.2°F 98/min 26/min 140/86 93% with O₂ After nebulization and oxygen therapy
11/03/2026 — 8:00 AM 98.8°F 92/min 24/min 136/84 94% with O₂ Breathlessness reduced
12/03/2026 — 8:00 AM 98.6°F 86/min 22/min 132/82 95% with O₂ Cough reduced, sputum decreasing
13/03/2026 — 8:00 AM 98.4°F 82/min 20/min 128/80 96% room air Stable condition
📈 Nursing Trend: Patient improved gradually with oxygen therapy, nebulization, medication, breathing exercises, and nursing care. Respiratory rate decreased from 30/min to 20/min and SpO₂ improved from 88% to 96%.

📄 Page 8 — Diagnostic Investigations

SR. NO. NAME OF INVESTIGATION NORMAL VALUE PATIENT'S VALUE INTERPRETATION
1 Hemoglobin 13–17 g/dL 14.1 g/dL Normal
2 Total WBC Count 4,000–11,000/mm³ 13,200/mm³ Elevated due to infection/exacerbation
3 Neutrophils 40–70% 78% Elevated
4 Platelet Count 1.5–4 lakh/mm³ 2.6 lakh/mm³ Normal
5 ESR 0–20 mm/hr 32 mm/hr Raised
6 Random Blood Sugar 80–140 mg/dL 118 mg/dL Normal
7 Serum Creatinine 0.7–1.3 mg/dL 1.0 mg/dL Normal
8 Blood Urea 15–40 mg/dL 34 mg/dL Normal
9 Serum Sodium 135–145 mEq/L 138 mEq/L Normal
10 Serum Potassium 3.5–5.0 mEq/L 4.1 mEq/L Normal
11 Arterial Blood Gas — pH 7.35–7.45 7.32 Mild respiratory acidosis
12 PaCO₂ 35–45 mmHg 54 mmHg Raised — CO₂ retention
13 PaO₂ 80–100 mmHg 62 mmHg Low oxygen level
14 Chest X-ray Normal lung fields Hyperinflated lungs, flattened diaphragm Suggestive of COPD
15 Sputum Examination No pathogenic organism Purulent sputum, bacterial growth suspected Respiratory infection
16 Spirometry FEV₁/FVC >70% FEV₁/FVC 55% Obstructive airway disease

📄 Page 9 — Medical Management (Drug Chart)

SR. NO. MEDICATION DOSE FREQUENCY ROUTE ACTION / PURPOSE
1 Oxygen Therapy 2–4 L/min As prescribed Nasal cannula Improves oxygen saturation and reduces hypoxia.
2 Nebulization with Salbutamol 2.5 mg Every 6 hourly Inhalation Bronchodilator; relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and relieves bronchospasm.
3 Nebulization with Ipratropium Bromide 500 mcg Every 8 hourly Inhalation Anticholinergic bronchodilator; decreases airway resistance.
4 Inj. Hydrocortisone 100 mg Every 8 hourly IV Corticosteroid; reduces airway inflammation during acute exacerbation.
5 Tab. Prednisolone 40 mg OD Oral Anti-inflammatory steroid used after stabilization.
6 Inj. Ceftriaxone 1 g BD IV Antibiotic; treats suspected bacterial respiratory infection.
7 Tab. Azithromycin 500 mg OD Oral Antibiotic; useful in respiratory tract infection and COPD exacerbation.
8 Tab. Ambroxol 30 mg TDS Oral Mucolytic; helps loosen thick sputum and promotes expectoration.
9 Tab. Montelukast + Levocetirizine 10 mg + 5 mg HS Oral Reduces allergic airway symptoms and improves breathing comfort.
10 Tab. Pantoprazole 40 mg OD Oral Prevents gastric irritation due to steroids and stress.
11 Steam Inhalation As tolerated 2–3 times/day Inhalation Helps loosen secretions and provides airway comfort.
12 Chest Physiotherapy As advised BD Physical therapy Promotes sputum clearance and improves ventilation.

📄 Page 10 — NANDA Nursing Diagnoses

  1. Ineffective airway clearance related to increased mucus production and bronchospasm as evidenced by productive cough, wheezing, coarse breath sounds, and difficulty in expectoration.
  2. Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar hypoventilation and ventilation-perfusion imbalance as evidenced by SpO₂ 88% on room air, dyspnea, cyanosis, and abnormal ABG values.
  3. Ineffective breathing pattern related to airway obstruction and increased work of breathing as evidenced by respiratory rate 30/min, use of accessory muscles, prolonged expiration, and shortness of breath.
  4. Activity intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand as evidenced by dyspnea on minimal exertion, fatigue, and inability to perform routine activities.
  5. Anxiety related to breathlessness, hospitalization, and fear of worsening respiratory condition as evidenced by restlessness, repeated questioning, and anxious facial expression.
  6. Deficient knowledge regarding COPD management, breathing exercises, medication use, smoking cessation, and prevention of exacerbation as evidenced by lack of awareness about disease control and inhaler/nebulizer use.
  7. Risk for infection related to retained respiratory secretions, chronic lung disease, and reduced immunity.
  8. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to increased energy expenditure during breathing and reduced appetite as evidenced by fatigue, weakness, and decreased oral intake.

📄 Page 11-13 — Nursing Care Plans (NANDA Format)

Nursing Care Plan — 1: Ineffective Airway Clearance

ASSESSMENT NURSING DIAGNOSIS GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOME PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION EVALUATION
Subjective: Patient complains of cough with thick sputum and difficulty in bringing out secretions. Patient says, “Mujhe balgam nikalne mein dikkat ho rahi hai.”

Objective: Productive cough, wheezing, coarse breath sounds, respiratory rate 30/min, SpO₂ 88% on room air, use of accessory muscles.
Ineffective airway clearance related to increased mucus production and bronchospasm as evidenced by productive cough, wheezing, coarse breath sounds, and difficulty in expectoration. Short-term goal: Patient will demonstrate improved airway clearance within 24 hours.

Long-term goal: Patient will maintain clear airway with reduced cough, decreased sputum, and improved breath sounds before discharge.
  • Assess respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and breath sounds regularly.
  • Monitor amount, color, consistency, and odor of sputum.
  • Maintain adequate hydration if not contraindicated.
  • Teach effective coughing and deep breathing exercises.
  • Administer prescribed bronchodilators and mucolytics.
  • Placed patient in semi-Fowler’s position to promote lung expansion.
  • Encouraged deep breathing and controlled coughing every 2 hours.
  • Provided warm fluids as tolerated to loosen secretions.
  • Administered nebulization with Salbutamol and Ipratropium as prescribed.
  • Administered Ambroxol as ordered to help sputum expectoration.
  • Provided chest physiotherapy and steam inhalation as advised.
Patient was able to expectorate sputum effectively. Wheezing reduced, breath sounds improved, respiratory rate decreased from 30/min to 24/min, and SpO₂ improved to 94% with oxygen therapy.

Nursing Care Plan — 2: Impaired Gas Exchange

ASSESSMENT NURSING DIAGNOSIS GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOME PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION EVALUATION
Subjective: Patient complains of severe breathlessness and chest tightness. Patient says, “Mujhe saans lene mein bahut takleef ho rahi hai.”

Objective: SpO₂ 88% on room air, respiratory rate 30/min, mild cyanosis of lips, PaO₂ 62 mmHg, PaCO₂ 54 mmHg, pH 7.32.
Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar hypoventilation and ventilation-perfusion imbalance as evidenced by low SpO₂, dyspnea, cyanosis, and abnormal ABG values. Short-term goal: Patient will maintain SpO₂ above 92% with oxygen therapy within 1 hour.

Long-term goal: Patient will maintain adequate gas exchange with reduced dyspnea and stable ABG values before discharge.
  • Monitor SpO₂ continuously or as prescribed.
  • Assess signs of hypoxia such as cyanosis, restlessness, confusion, and tachycardia.
  • Monitor ABG reports as advised.
  • Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
  • Position patient to improve ventilation.
  • Placed patient in high Fowler’s/semi-Fowler’s position.
  • Administered oxygen therapy 2–4 L/min via nasal cannula as prescribed.
  • Monitored SpO₂ and respiratory status frequently.
  • Encouraged pursed-lip breathing to improve expiration and reduce air trapping.
  • Administered bronchodilators and steroids as ordered.
  • Observed for signs of respiratory fatigue and reported abnormalities.
Patient’s SpO₂ improved from 88% to 94% with oxygen therapy. Dyspnea reduced, cyanosis decreased, respiratory rate improved, and patient reported better breathing comfort.

Nursing Care Plan — 3: Ineffective Breathing Pattern

ASSESSMENT NURSING DIAGNOSIS GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOME PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION EVALUATION
Subjective: Patient complains of difficulty in breathing, especially during coughing and movement. Patient says, “Thoda chalne par bhi saans phool jati hai.”

Objective: Respiratory rate 30/min, prolonged expiration, use of accessory muscles, wheezing, dyspnea on minimal activity.
Ineffective breathing pattern related to airway obstruction and increased work of breathing as evidenced by tachypnea, prolonged expiration, use of accessory muscles, and dyspnea. Short-term goal: Patient will demonstrate improved breathing pattern within 24 hours.

Long-term goal: Patient will maintain respiratory rate within normal range and use breathing techniques effectively before discharge.
  • Assess respiratory pattern, rate, depth, and use of accessory muscles.
  • Maintain comfortable position to reduce work of breathing.
  • Teach pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing.
  • Provide rest periods between activities.
  • Administer medications as prescribed.
  • Kept patient in semi-Fowler’s position.
  • Taught and demonstrated pursed-lip breathing technique.
  • Encouraged slow deep breathing exercises.
  • Reduced unnecessary activity and provided rest periods.
  • Administered nebulization and steroid therapy as prescribed.
  • Monitored respiratory rate and effort regularly.
Patient demonstrated pursed-lip breathing correctly. Respiratory rate decreased from 30/min to 22/min, use of accessory muscles reduced, and patient reported less breathlessness.

📄 Page 14 — Discharge Summary

Mr. Mohan Lal Sharma, a 65-year-old male, was admitted to the medical ward with complaints of severe breathlessness, productive cough with thick sputum, wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue. On admission, the patient had tachypnea, SpO₂ 88% on room air, bilateral wheezing, prolonged expiration, and use of accessory muscles of respiration. Based on clinical features, physical examination, chest X-ray, ABG analysis, sputum examination, and spirometry findings, the patient was diagnosed with COPD with acute exacerbation.

During hospitalization, the patient received oxygen therapy, nebulization with bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, mucolytics, steam inhalation, chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises, and supportive nursing care. The patient’s condition improved gradually. Breathlessness reduced, cough and sputum decreased, wheezing improved, respiratory rate came down from 30/min to 20/min, and SpO₂ improved from 88% on room air to 96% on room air.

The patient and family members were educated regarding COPD disease process, correct use of inhaler/nebulizer, pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, smoking cessation, medication compliance, nutrition, prevention of respiratory infection, and importance of regular follow-up. Patient was discharged in stable condition with advice for home care and follow-up.

At discharge, the patient is advised to:

📄 Page 15 — Health Education

Medication Compliance —
The patient was educated to take all medicines exactly as prescribed by the physician. Bronchodilators help to open the airways and reduce breathlessness. Steroids reduce airway inflammation during exacerbation. Antibiotics should be completed as prescribed even if symptoms improve. The patient was advised not to stop inhalers, nebulization, or oral medicines without medical advice. The patient was also instructed to keep rescue inhaler available and use it as advised during sudden breathlessness.

Inhaler and Nebulizer Technique —
The patient was taught the correct method of using inhaler and nebulizer. Before using inhaler, the patient should shake it well, breathe out fully, place mouthpiece properly, press the inhaler while taking a slow deep breath, hold breath for 5–10 seconds, and then breathe out slowly. If a spacer is available, it should be used for better drug delivery. Nebulizer mask should fit properly, and the patient should breathe normally during nebulization. Equipment should be cleaned and dried after use to prevent infection.

Breathing Exercises —
The patient was taught pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. In pursed-lip breathing, the patient should inhale slowly through the nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle. This helps to keep airways open longer and reduces air trapping. Diaphragmatic breathing helps improve ventilation and reduces the work of breathing. These exercises should be practiced several times daily, especially during breathlessness.

Smoking Cessation —
The patient was strongly advised to stop smoking completely. Smoking is the main cause of COPD progression and repeated exacerbations. Even one cigarette can irritate the airways and worsen breathing. The patient was advised to avoid passive smoking also. Family members were advised not to smoke near the patient. Counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and medical support can be taken if the patient finds difficulty quitting smoking.

Prevention of Infection —
The patient was educated that respiratory infections can worsen COPD and cause acute exacerbation. He should wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with people having cough, cold, or fever, use mask in crowded places, maintain oral hygiene, and avoid exposure to dust and pollution. Annual influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination should be taken as advised by the doctor.

Dietary Advice —
The patient was advised to take a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Small frequent meals are better than large heavy meals because a full stomach can increase breathlessness. Include dal, pulses, eggs if allowed, milk, curd, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid oily, fried, very spicy, and gas-forming foods if they increase discomfort. Drink warm fluids to help loosen sputum unless fluid restriction is advised.

Activity and Rest —
The patient was advised to balance activity with rest. Light walking and simple daily activities should be done as tolerated. Activities should be performed slowly, with rest periods in between. The patient should avoid heavy lifting, sudden exertion, and climbing stairs rapidly. If breathlessness increases, the patient should stop activity, sit upright, and practice pursed-lip breathing.

Environmental Control —
The patient should avoid dust, smoke, strong perfumes, incense sticks, mosquito coils, cold air, and air pollution. The house should be well ventilated and clean. Wet mopping is preferred instead of dry sweeping to reduce dust. Patient should use a mask while going outside in polluted or dusty areas.

Warning Signs —
The patient and family were educated to seek immediate medical help if there is severe breathlessness not relieved by medicines, bluish discoloration of lips or fingers, high fever, increased amount or change in color of sputum, chest pain, confusion, drowsiness, inability to speak full sentences, or SpO₂ falling below advised level.

Follow-up Care —
The patient was advised to attend regular follow-up visits as advised by the physician. Lung function tests, medication review, inhaler technique checking, vaccination status, and symptom control should be assessed during follow-up. Patient was advised to keep all medical records and bring them during each hospital visit.

📄 Page 16 — Bibliography

  1. Brunner, L.S. & Suddarth, D.S. (2022). Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (15th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. Unit: Respiratory Disorders and Nursing Management.
  2. NANDA International. (2024). Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification 2024–2026 (13th ed.). Thieme Medical Publishers.
  3. Lewis, S.L., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M.M., Harding, M.M., Kwong, J., & Roberts, D. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems (12th ed.). Elsevier.
  4. Doenges, M.E., Moorhouse, M.F., & Murr, A.C. (2024). Nursing Care Plans: Guidelines for Individualizing Client Care Across the Life Span (11th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
  5. GOLD. (2025). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.
  6. World Health Organization. (2025). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — Fact Sheet. WHO, Geneva.
  7. Park, K. (2023). Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine (27th ed.). Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers.

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This nursing care plan is prepared for educational and academic purposes only as part of nursing practical file work (ANM, GNM, BSc Nursing). It is not intended for actual patient care, clinical decision-making, or medical diagnosis. Always refer to your institution's guidelines and standard textbooks.

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