Mar 21, 2021
Written/Researched By: Khash Farzam
Peer Review By: Caleb Dusdal
Objective One:
In all patients presenting with symptoms of prolonged or recurrent
cough, dyspnea, or decreased exercise tolerance, especially those
who also have a significant smoking history, suspect the diagnosis
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Objective Two:
When the diagnosis of COPD is suspected, seek confirmation with
pulmonary function studies (e.g., FEV1).
Objective Three:
In patients with COPD, use pulmonary function tests periodically to
document disease progression.
Objective Four:
Encourage smoking cessation in all patients diagnosed with COPD.
Objective Five:
Offer appropriate vaccinations to patients diagnosed with COPD (e.g., influenza/pneumococcal vaccination).
Objective Six:
In an apparently stable patient with COPD, offer appropriate inhaled medication for treatment (e.g., anticholinergics/bronchodilators if condition is reversible, steroid trial).
Objective Seven:
Refer appropriate patients with COPD to other health professionals (e.g., a respiratory technician or pulmonary rehabilitation personnel) to enhance quality of life.
Objective Eight:
When treating patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, rule out co-morbidities (e.g., myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, systemic infections, anemia).
Objective Nine:
In patients with end-stage COPD, especially those who are currently stable, discuss, document, and periodically re-evaluate wishes about aggressive treatment interventions.