PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS A COPD MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Catrina Worthy-Feaster and D. Sherrod. Master of Science in Nursing Program; cworthyfeaster111@rams.wssu.edu PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of physical activity interventions on males and females 6575 years of age diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Articles were retrieved from the CDC, PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL, and Medline databases. Studies in English published from 2009-2013 were included if they focused on interventions to increase physical activity in COPD clients. Search terms included “COPD,” “physical activity and COPD,” and “interventions for COPD.” RESULTS: Walking interventions yielded the greatest benefit. Walking at least 1,200-8,800 steps per day for 20 to 30 minutes, at least three to four days a week is recommended. Patients experienced increases in endurance, lung capacity, lower leg muscle strength, along with less dyspnea and fatigue. Patients preferred walking because they were able to perform this intervention without worries of cost and walking was less strenuous. CONCLUSION: Physical activity of walking at least 1,2008,800 steps per day for 20 to 30 minutes, at least three to four days a week is recommended for individuals diagnosed with COPD. A decline of physical activity among individuals with COPD places them at risk for increased complications and exacerbations related to inactivity. Steps per day are a simple metric of physical activity that is meaningful to persons trying to increase their activity and is recommended for patients with COPD.
PATIENT/FAMILY EDUCATION: IMPACT OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA ON PATIENT SAFETY A.J. Wright, N. Widener, J. Brown. P. Bradley, RN, MSN, Faculty Advisor. School of Health Sciences. Division of Nursing; awright112@rams.wssu.edu, bradleypb@wssu.edu. BACKGROUND: 81 yr. old female diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia had a past medical history of peripheral artery disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, venous thromboembolism, general anxiety disorder, and chronic diarrhea. Our teaching goal was for the patient, and or her sister, to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of her illness through verbal repetition or physical demonstration. Given her current and past medical history, theoretical, our teaching was guided by the Nursing Diagnosis ‘High Fall Risk, and Self-Care Deficit’. METHODS: To accomplish our goal, we used verbal discussions, visual displays, print outs and demonstration of constructive communication skills. RESULTS: Given the patient’s declining mental status, all education and teaching focused on the family care giver. The caregiver demonstrated full understanding of the techniques of passive and active range of motion exercises, its impact on increasing circulation, and communication skills that encouraging patient cooperation. Along with our patient teaching, we consulted for possible Home Health care for continuous monitoring in order to reduce fall risk and injuries. In addition, physical therapy arranged with the family, would provide the client rehabilitation to enhance her strength and ambulatory abilities for when she returns home. CONCLUSION: Patient teaching can be an essential and powerful weapon if used strategically to enhance the knowledge of the patient and the family. Integrated in routine patient care and discharge planning, patient and family education can help to facilitate quality health and reduce complications.
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