What You’ll Learn

After completing this course, learners will have the tools they need to manage dyspnea, including the physical causes of shortness of breath and the emotional impact on the patient.

Learning outcomes for this course include:

  1. Describe the clinical presentation of dyspnea
  2. Discuss the physical and emotional impact of dyspnea on patients with serious illness and their caregivers
  3. List the four possible mechanisms of dyspnea
  4. Identify two non-pharmacologic and one pharmacologic strategy for managing dyspnea
  5. Detail the treatment approach for treating dyspnea with cough
  6. Discuss the evidence for other dyspnea treatments including sustained release opioids, nebulized furosemide, nebulized opioids, supplemental oxygen, and pleural catheters and thoracentesis.

What You’ll Earn

Only CAPC members who are logged in can earn the following free Continuing Education Credits:

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
  • Case Management: 1.25 CE
  • Nursing: 1.00 CNE, 0.40 Pharmacotherapy
  • Social Work: 1.00 CE (NYSED)
  • Social Work: 1.00 CE (NASW)

To take this course, log in. Or, check here to see if your organization is a member.

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Tools & Resources

GOLD Pocket Guide to COPD Diagnosis, Management and Prevention

Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and management of COPD. Updated 2020.

National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (Reduction Pneumoplasty)

Medicare criteria for lung volume reduction surgery in COPD.

National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services

Medicare criteria for pulmonary rehabilitation services in COPD.

Fast Fact #27: Dyspnea at End-Of-Life

Etiology, assessment, and treatment of dyspnea at the end of life.

Symptom Management Glossary

Key terms related to symptom management. Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2023.

References: Dyspnea in Patients with Serious Illness

Course citations. Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2023.

Sean M. Marks, MD. Associate Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin.

Brittany Chambers, MPH, MCHES. Associate Director of Education, Center to Advance Palliative Care.

Brynne Hunter, MSIT. Education Technology Project Manager, Center to Advance Palliative Care.

Drew Rosielle, MD, FAAHPM. Palliative Care, Fairview Health Services, University of Minnesota Medical School.

Lolita Melhado, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC. Family Nurse Practitioner/Palliative Care, Gulf Coast Medical Center - Lee Memorial Health System.

Philip Higgins, PhD, LICSW. President, Lighthouse Counseling of Salem, Inc.

Karl Bezak, MD. Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh (UPMC).*

Nora Brennan, RN. Cardiology, University of Pennsylvania Hospital System.

Dara Duncan, RN. Hospice and Palliative Care Registered Nurse, Wiener Family Palliative Care Unit
Mount Sinai Hospital.

Gabrielle Langmann, MD. Clinical Instructor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Master’s of Science in Medical Education Candidate, University of Pittsburgh.*

Ayla Pelleg, MD. Assistant Professor, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

*indicates ABIM Peer Reviewer

Contact information: For answers to frequently asked questions about CAPC courses, read the Online Course FAQ. For technical questions about course activity, email [email protected]. For questions about continuing education credits, contact 201-957-0077.

Provided by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

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