Publications by authors named "Cynthia R Balkstra"

Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are chronic diseases that are increasing worldwide in incidence, prevalence, and burden. The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with the information necessary to make a differential diagnosis and to understand the different treatment approaches to these two diseases.

Data Sources: Peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and evidence-based Internet sources.

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Health care institutions can no longer treat only the sequelae of tobacco use. Smoking-cessation programs must be instituted to meet health promotion and education goals developed on admission for all patients. Leading authorities, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, now include tobacco-cessation counseling as quality performance measures.

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