I worked with the respiratory nurse on 17/11/23. I found it to be an amazing opportunity to learn and develop my knowledge of the respiratory system. I was able to sit and observe Neethu in pulmonary rehab which was interesting. I learnt that pulmonary rehab aims to promote the quality of an individual’s life before going down the route of medication

The routine of pulmonary rehab is to first have an initial interview which involves wearing a monitor on the ear or finger which tracks the heart rate during exercises. The patient then has to walk up and down when they hear the bleep and the nurse is present to keep an eye on the heart rate and to see how breathless the patient gets. The patient then attends 12 sessions of rehab that contain exercises that patients can manage at home.

One thing I learnt is that pulmonary rehab improves your physical strength which aids in preventing chest infections; if you are not fit it is easier to develop infections.

Another thing that I also learned is that spirometry tests are used to diagnose COPD however, an X-ray of the lungs is also required to rule out other symptoms of breathlessness.

and lastly, I learned that it is important to use a spacer with inhalers and rinse your mouth after every use this is because you can develop oral thrush.

Observing the respiratory nurses i feel more confident on the respiratory system, signs and how to manage shortness of breath/ COPD.