AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification ExamPlanEasy
A 68-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension presents for his annual physical. He reports smoking cessation 5 years ago, but still experiences a chronic productive cough. Spirometry results show FEV1/FVC < 0.70 and FEV1 65% of predicted. Which of the following non-pharmacological interventions is most appropriate to recommend for his COPD management?
- AEnrollment in a pulmonary rehabilitation program
- BDaily use of a bronchodilator inhaler
- CInitiating a low-sodium diet
- DRegular use of a CPAP machine
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Enrollment in a pulmonary rehabilitation program
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone of non-pharmacological management for COPD, improving exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life. It combines exercise training, education, and psychosocial support.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Bronchodilators are pharmacological interventions, not non-pharmacological.
- C. A low-sodium diet is primarily for hypertension or heart failure, not a direct non-pharmacological intervention for COPD symptoms.
- D. CPAP is typically used for sleep apnea, not a primary non-pharmacological intervention for chronic productive cough in COPD.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COPD
A comprehensive intervention for COPD patients combining exercise training, education, and psychosocial support to improve physical and psychological condition and promote long-term adherence to health-enhancing behaviors.
- Improves exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and quality of life.
- Reduces hospitalizations and exacerbations.
- Includes exercise, education, and psychosocial support.
Memory trick: Pulmonary Rehab: Breathe, Move, Learn, Live!