Deliver COPD-specific skilled teaching to patient and caregiver competence with return demonstration:
Device-specific inhaler and spacer technique — taught and confirmed by return demonstration for each device, because an incorrectly used inhaler delivers little drug.
Home-oxygen safety — the ordered flow, never increasing it without an order, no smoking or open flame near oxygen, and cannula skin care.
The written COPD action plan — green (stable), yellow (increased symptoms; start the ordered rescue or steroid/antibiotic per plan), and red (severe symptoms; call for emergency care) — with the patient able to state what to do at each step.
Recognizing an exacerbation by the three cardinal symptoms and acting before it becomes severe.
Pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing and energy-conservation and positioning techniques for dyspnea.
Smoking cessation where applicable, offered supportively and repeatedly.
When to use rescue medication versus when to call the agency versus when to activate EMS.
