This case report describes a nursing care experience that provided pulmonary rehabilitation to a 65-year-old patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Data were collected via observation, interviews, and physical assessments between 5 May and 21 May 2018. We found that the patient had health problems including impairment of gas exchange, activity intolerance, and hopelessness. Pulmonary rehabilitation was applied to enhance respiratory muscle strength which assisted gas exchange and tolerated physical activity. These improvements also reduced the patient's hopelessness. This case report provides a reference for nurses caring patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Nurses could understand the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation when caring such patients. Early interventions not only improve patients' physical problems but also psychological issues.