What should the nurse include in the care plan to promote intake for a client with COPD and severe dyspnea?

In the context of a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiencing severe dyspnea, it is essential to consider how the management of their diet can affect their ability to breathe and consume adequate nutrition. Limiting fluid intake during meals is an effective strategy. When individuals with COPD consume large volumes of fluid with meals, it can create a full sensation that may further compress the diaphragm and impede effective breathing. Therefore, by managing fluid intake, the client may be better able to consume solid food and maintain energy levels without exacerbating their breathing difficulties.

While other dietary approaches may seem beneficial at first glance, they do not address the specific needs of a client struggling with severe dyspnea. Encouraging large meals, for example, can lead to a feeling of fullness that may worsen dyspnea, while providing high-fiber foods is not typically advisable in this context because it may increase bloating and discomfort, thereby further complicating respiration. Serving soft foods only could lead to nutritional deficiencies if not properly planned, as it limits the variety of foods that can be eaten and may not provide adequate caloric intake. Therefore, focusing on limiting fluid intake during meals supports both nutritional needs and optimal breathing function in clients with COPD.