Patient Data Exhibits The nurse considers educational needs. Select which items the nurse should include in the discharge education for client with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Select all that apply.

Rationale for Correct Choices Importance of eating a balanced diet: Clients with COPD require adequate nutrition to maintain energy and prevent muscle wasting, which can worsen respiratory function. Balanced meals support overall health and lung function. Need for influenza and pneumonia vaccination: Vaccinations reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which can exacerbate COPD and lead to hospitalization. Preventive immunizations are essential for long-term disease management. Regular exercise: Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens respiratory muscles, and enhances overall endurance, helping clients tolerate daily activities despite airflow limitations. Supplemental oxygen instructions: If prescribed, clients need to know proper oxygen use, flow rates, and safety precautions to maintain adequate oxygen saturation and prevent hypoxemia. Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking is the single most effective intervention to slow the progression of COPD and reduce exacerbations. Education on cessation strategies and resources is critical. Use of albuterol prior to exercise: Pre-exercise use of short-acting bronchodilators can reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm, improving tolerance to activity and preventing acute shortness of breath episodes. Rationale for Incorrect Choices: The need to switch to e-cigarettes instead of smoking tobacco cigarettes: E-cigarettes are not considered a safe alternative and can still harm the lungs. Advising switching does not reduce COPD progression. How to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device at night: CPAP is used for obstructive sleep apnea, not standard COPD management unless the client has coexisting sleep apnea. It is not routinely included in COPD education.