This document discusses the management of patients with bronchiectasis. It begins by listing the objectives of describing the pathophysiology and risk factors of bronchiectasis, discussing clinical manifestations, and using the nursing process for patient care. Bronchiectasis is defined as the chronic, irreversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles, usually caused by airway obstruction, infections, genetic disorders, or idiopathic factors. Common clinical manifestations include chronic cough, copious purulent sputum, finger clubbing, hemoptysis, and repeated infections. Diagnostic tests include sputum examinations and CT scans. Medical management focuses on chest physiotherapy, smoking cessation, antimicrobial therapy, and bronchodil

1. MANAGEMENTOF
PATIENTSWITH
LOWERRESPIRATORY
DISORDERS
BRONCHIECTASIS
Jamilah Saad Alqahtani
Nurse Lecturer, MSN, TOT, OR Nurse
Specialist, RGN, BSN

2. Objectives
• At the end of the lecture, the student will be
able to
◦ Describe the patho-physiology of the disease.
◦ Discuss the major risk factors and clinical
manifestations of the disease.
◦ Use the nursing process as a framework for
patient care.
◦ Discuss medical , surgical and nursing
management of the disease.

3. Risk Factors of COPD
• Cigarette smoking
• Passive smoking
• Occupational exposure
◦ dust and chemicals
• Genetic abnormalities
◦ Lack of alpha 1-antitrypsin

4. BRONCHIECTASIS
◦ A chronic, irreversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles.
◦ Causes:
◦ Airway obstruction
◦ Pulmonary infections
◦ Genetic disorders
◦ Idiopathic (unknown)
◦ Usually localized affecting the lower lobes

5. Clinical Manifestations
◦ Chronic cough
◦ Purulent sputum in copious amounts
◦ Clubbing of the fingers
◦ Hemoptysis
◦ Repeated periods of pulmonary infection

6. Diagnostic Tests
1. Sputum Examination - consistently negative for tubercle bacilli
2. Computed Tomography (CT) scan - shows bronchial dilation

7. Medical Management
1. Chest physiotherapy – to reduce secretions
Postural drainage
Percussion
2. Smoking cessation
3. Antimicrobial therapy – to control infection
4. Bronchodilators – to manage secretions

8. Nursing Management
◦ Relieve symptoms
◦ Help in clearing pulmonary secretions
◦ Teach ways to conserve energy
◦ Watch out for signs of infection
◦ Nutritional support
◦ Encourage smoking cessation
◦ Avoid exposure to people with infections