Nurses’ Awareness and Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations at Specialist Hospitals in Zamfara State

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations require prompt, evidence-guided nursing assessment and management to prevent hospitalisation and death. Awareness of current management guidelines among Nigerian nurses remains inadequately assessed. Aim: This study assessed nurses' awareness and management of COPD exacerbations at specialist hospitals in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited 70 registered nurses through stratified random sampling. A validated COPD knowledge and management practices questionnaire was administered. Data were analysed with SPSS version 26. Results: Awareness of COPD diagnostic criteria was adequate in 59% of nurses. Clinical management practices including correct bronchodilator administration and oxygen titration were satisfactory in 45%. Spirometry skills were absent in 87% of respondents, and no facility had a formal COPD care pathway. Conclusion: Critical gaps in COPD management knowledge and skills exist in North West Nigeria. The study recommends targeted respiratory nursing training, introduction of COPD care pathways, and provision of spirometry equipment and training to improve exacerbation outcomes in resource-limited settings. Keywords: COPD, nursing management, exacerbations, Zamfara, respiratory care.