HHA: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Video Runtime: 23 Minutes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of long-term lung diseases that obstruct airflow. COPD is a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 16 million Americans, and many more who have this disease are undiagnosed. Home health and hospice aides can play a crucial role in helping to keep patients out of the hospital by identifying early signs of exacerbation and reporting them to the skilled nurse, therapist, or supervisor. Observation of activities, diet, respiratory status, and signs of fever will be of utmost importance in the care of these chronically ill individuals.

Meet your instructor

Kim Corral

Kim is a registered nurse with a master's degree in education and more than 30 years of home health experience. She is an experienced leader in home health care, having held both clinical and operational positions at regional and national levels for large corporate home health organizations. She brings a passion for providing…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Case Scenario and Course Overview

Chapter One opens the course by introducing a representative case scenario to be referenced throughout the course. The learning objectives for the course are also reviewed.

2. COPD Causes and Symptoms

In the second chapter of this course, the causes and symptoms of COPD are detailed, including the mechanics of breathing and lung function, and the effects of smoking, inhaled pollution, and other potential causes of COPD.

3. Goals of Care With COPD

In this chapter, goals of care, including maintaining effective safety conditions and providing excellent personal care, are discussed. Practical tips for personal care are provided, with particular attention to oxygen use and safety, oral hygiene support, and infection control.

4. Observation, Documentation, and Reporting

Chapter Four closes the course by applying concepts from the entire course to the patient case study discussed in previous chapters. Practical reminders for maintaining effective documentation and reporting practices are also discussed.

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