'The normal course of COPD is punctuated by increasing frequency and Essay

'The normal course of COPD is punctuated by increasing frequency and severity of exacerbations - Essay Example Exacerbation is a serious health condition that could lead to the loss of lung normal functions. (Prince et al., 2004) For this reason, patients that are experiencing exacerbations may be hospitalized and need to go through a long period of recovery. For the purpose of this study, the researcher will determine and discuss the significance of exacerbations of COPD in terms of its effect on the patients and the health care service providers. With regards to the proper management of exacerbations, the researcher will highlight the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological options for exacerbations. Exacerbations in patients with COPD are usually associated with a major decline in the long-term quality of the patients’ life and their lung functioning. (Donaldson et al., 2002; Seemungal et al., 1998) Although the etiology and mechanisms behind a severe COPD exacerbations are not clear, several studies have shown that infections caused by bacteria (White, Gompertz, Stockley, 2003; Sethi and Murphy, 2001) and virus (Rohde et al., 2003; Seemungal and Wedzicha, 2003) are present during an increase frequency of exacerbations. Exacerbations related to COPD are often associated with the increase in airway inflammation related to eosinophilia (Fujimoto et al., 2005; Zhu et al., 2001), neutrophilic (Aaron et al., 2001; Stockley et al., 2000; Sethi et al., 2000), and neutrophils in bronchial biopsies (Qiu et al., 2003). These factors may contribute to the patient’s dyspnea or difficulty in breathing. In line with this matter, it has been reported that roughly 25% of COPD patients have reported having experienced a profound total body pain. (Lynn et al., 2000) Due to the fact that most of patients with severe COPD may experience exacerbations, some patients may experience anxiety due to their functional limitations and hunger for air. Some

Describe what is meant by 'leadership styles,' and discuss their Essay

Describe what is meant by 'leadership styles,' and discuss their applicability and importance to effective nursing leadership - Essay Example Working conditions in the current hospital setting are very poor and this has demoralized nurses as most of them are opting out of their professions. The hospitals have heavy workloads and they have limited resources, a condition that makes it difficult for nurses to attend to the high number of patients effectively. This has in turn resulted to poor performance in hospitals and has also put patients’ health at risk as noted by Gullatte (2005). Effective strategies that will address these issues should be developed and implemented if nurses have to be retained in their places of work according to Gullatte. One way of solving issues affecting health care systems and nurses in general is through mentoring and developing positive nursing leadership. Nurses leadership in this respect must be looked at both as a professional responsibility and a collective endeavor. There are different styles of nursing leadership which include: transformational leadership, congruent leadership, transactional leadership and servant leadership just to mention a few. The following sections of this paper will be dedicated to analyzing the different leadership styles that can be applied in nursing. Bass and Riggio (2006) claim that transformational leadership encourages change in social systems and individuals. It is the most preferred style of leadership in the healthcare setting since it enhances performance and motivates employees. Its main aim is to create value and instill positive change in employees so that they can develop into people with leadership qualities. Transformational leadership involves establishing of a vision so that employees can work towards attaining certain goals. It also involves developing people so that they can be able to adapt to changes that occur in their places of work. Transformational leadership also builds relationships which in effect lead to interactions which