A nurse is teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is being discharged after treatment for an acute exacerbation. Which statement by the client indicates proper understanding of the discharge instructions:

A. "Make sure to use a humidifier in your room while you sleep."

B. "Apply powder to all crevices to prevent yeast while taking oral steroids."

C. "Turn the oxygen up to no more than 6 L if you are short of breath."

D. "Use your inhalers every day as directed even if symptoms are not present."

The correct answer to the question is option D

"Use your inhalers every day as directed even if symptoms are not present."

Explanation: Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by a decrease in oxygen and increase in carbon dioxide so hypoxemia ( a low level of oxygen in the blood) and hypocapnia (abnormally elevated carbondioxide (CO2) level in the blood) are expected.

Inhalers used in COPD can contain either a single medication or a combination of ingredients. Bronchodilators open the airways, while glucocorticoids reduce inflammation.

Daily use of inhalers even when symptoms are not present helps reduce airway constriction so air can pass into your lungs more effectively as you breathe.

A person with COPD may also be instructed to use inhaler at scheduled times throughout the day and/or to also use an inhaler when there is a COPD exacerbation(sudden worsening of the COPD symptoms).

The answer is D: "Use your inhalers every day as directed even if symptoms are not present."

Explanation:

COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstruction in airflow from the lungs. Various symptoms like difficulty in breathing, wheezing, mucus formation, and cough may be found in people with such disease. However, one effective way of treatment is by using inhalers as prescribed.