Which of the following would be a good goal to be included in a pulmonary rehabilitation program for a COPD patient?

A. restore normal ABG values
B. reduce infections
C. omit ALDs
D. return to normal life

Ans: B. The purpose of a pulmonary rehabilitation program for a patient with COPD relates to improving their life from their point of view. Legitimate goals include recognizing signs of infection, reducing hospitalizations, increasing their ability to perform activities of daily living, and generally increasing exercise tolerance. Because lung disease cannot be reversed it is unreasonable to think that we can return the patient to normal life or reduce their need for oxygen. It is also unreasonable to acheive normal blood gas or pulmonary function values.