Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Interventions on Respiratory Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In Pakistan, the prevalence of COPD is increasing due to factors such as tobacco smoking, environmental pollution, and the use of biomass fuels. Patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD often experience worsening respiratory symptoms including dyspnea, reduced oxygen saturation, and impaired pulmonary function.

Respiratory nursing interventions such as deep breathing exercises, chest percussion, postural drainage, and adequate hydration through lukewarm water intake have been reported in international literature to improve airway clearance, enhance ventilation, and support better respiratory outcomes. Despite this evidence, there is limited research conducted in Pakistan to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in hospitalized COPD patients.

This randomized controlled study aims to assess the add-on effects of respiratory nursing interventions on respiratory outcomes among patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. A total of 68 patients will be recruited through convenience sampling. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an intervention group and a control group, with 34 participants in each group, using the lottery method.

The study will be conducted in three phases: assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Baseline respiratory outcomes will be assessed prior to intervention. Participants in the intervention group will receive respiratory nursing interventions in addition to routine hospital care, while the control group will receive routine hospital care only. Outcomes will be measured using the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, pulse oximetry, and pulmonary function tests including FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio. Data will be analyzed using an independent t-test to determine the effectiveness of the respiratory nursing interventions.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed cases of COPD admitted for acute exacerbation according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.
• Adults aged > 40 years (WHO, 2023; GOLD, 2024).
• Both genders (male & female).
• Hemodynamically stable at the time of enrollment in terms of vital signs (e.g., blood pressure > 90/60 mmHg, heart rate between 60-100 bpm) to safely undergo nursing interventions without acute risk (Jarhyan et al., 2021).
• Dyspnea Grade ≥ 2 on the mMRC Scale (Mahler and Wells, 1988).
• Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) ≥ 88% on Room Air or Oxygen Therapy (O'Driscoll, 2017).

Exclusion criteria

• Dyspnea due to cardio-pulmonary disease or other co-morbidities.
• Patients on mechanical ventilation and ICU admission.
• Patients with mental disorders.
• Patients with upper airway obstruction.