Care for patients with severe chronic airflow obstruction and respiratory failure.

The successful care of patients with disorders causing chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) and potential chronic respiratory failure and pulmonary heart disease (cor pulmonale) requires the following:1. Recognize CAO as the cause of a patient's problem.2. Describe and measure airflow obstruction and the individual's response to it.3. Undertake therapeutic trials to maximize airflow.4. Teach patients monitoring skills and interventions in order to prevent acute respiratory failure and hospital admission.5. Maintain optimism and interest in the patient's chronic illness, appreciating its impact on the total person and his daily life.