American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ANCC Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the care of a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the priority focus should be on promoting smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD and is a significant contributor to the disease's progression and frequency of exacerbations. By helping patients quit smoking, nurse practitioners can directly influence the course of the disease, improve lung function, and enhance overall health outcomes. Successful smoking cessation can lead to reduced symptoms, better quality of life, and decreased hospital visits or exacerbations related to the condition.

Other areas, such as managing acute exacerbations, providing dietary counseling, and encouraging weight management, are important in the comprehensive care of patients with COPD. However, these interventions are secondary to addressing the root cause of the disease. While managing exacerbations can prevent complications and provide immediate relief, and dietary counseling and weight management can contribute to overall health, none of these measures can compare to the long-term benefits achieved through smoking cessation. It lays the foundation for all other aspects of COPD management.