The number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is growing with the gradually deteriorating quality of air in our living environment. By appropriate treatment and nursing procedures, we can lower the frequency of hospitalization, thereby reducing the medical costs and improving patients' quality of life. This paper reports the nursing care of a 66-year-old male patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who sought medical help at an emergency room due to dyspnea. The authors gathered information with skills of conservation and observation as well as application of Gordon's eleven items of evaluation of functional healthy status during the nursing care period between January 12th and January 20th, 2003. We found that the healthy problems of the patient were "ineffective breathing pattern", "ineffective airway clearance", "anxiety", "Activity intolerance", and "knowledge deficit". By respiratory training and self-care skills, the patient could reduce anxiety and assert his independence, and then become accustomed to the disease process. From this nursing experience, we provided physical and mental care to the patient who therefore acquired good adaptation in the respective fields. We would like to share the experience with all nursing colleagues and provide a reference for caring such patients in the future.