In many countries COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – has became one of the main causes of disability and death. The aim of this article is to show the importance of spirometry in diagnosing COPD and explain the difficulties that may influence its result. Nowadays spirometry is highly accessible, but unfortunately it does not go along with its quality, and as a result - correct treatment of the patient. According to the GOLD report, spirometry is the “gold standard” in diagnosing and evaluating COPD. Without spirometry this disease shout not be diagnosed. A physician is not able to diagnose COPD without a result of correctly performed spirometry. The role of nurse is very important, because he or she is obliged to observe the patient during the test, help him, explain step by step the course of spirometry. Often it is necessary to calm the patient and demonstrate the correct way of performing spirometry. The nurse should have knowledge regarding indications and contraindications to pulmonary function tests, know the correct way of performing the test. The nurse should also remember that spirometry requires a lot of effort from the patient. Patient should be prepared to the test by medical staff. Only the educated patient is able to perform spirometry that shows his actual lung function. In this article we present basic knowledge about COPD and spirometry, but also we recommend how to prepare and educate the patient before performing these pulmonary function tests.

Key words: COPD, spirometry, nurse.