Question

A Case of Respiratory Distress Pre-Case Questions 1. In your own words, describe Le Chatelier's principle. 2. What is PH? How do pH values change with increasing or decreasing H' content? Case A 68 year old woman, with no history of smoking presents to the ER for evaluation of dyspnea of greater than 1 hour in duration. Dyspnea or "air hunger" is considered normal when associated with heavy exertion; however this patient assured hospital staff she hasn't done anything which would fall under that category. Upon examination, her vital signs are as follows: Temperature: 98.8°F Respiratory rate: 20 breaths/minute Pulse: 90 beats/minute Weight: 140 lbs. Also, her lung sounds are clear with no wheezing. She mentions feeling poorly for several days and that multiple family members have been coughing and even treated for pneumonia. Additionally, she admits to self-medicating with Bactrim", a sulfonamide antibiotic that her younger sister has been prescribed for a UTI. An initial arterial blood gas analysis indicates: Blood pH = 7.50 [HCO3 ) = 24 mmol/L Poz = 25 mmHg O, saturation (SpO2) = 88% Because normal, healthy O2 saturation levels are 98-100%, the patient is given oxygen treatment by nasal cannula. Her oxygen levels do not rise and, in fact, continue to drop to 86%. Because of her problems breathing and contact with similarly infected family members, it's possible she has pneumonia. Research the symptoms of pneumonia and compare to the test results and symptoms exhibited by the patient.

Answer 1

Le Chatelier peinciple states that is a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions then the position of equilibrium shift to restablish an equilibrium. Reaction shifts in opposite direction of change. 1) Effect of Temp af Temp is increased, the reaction will shift to favour the reduction of temp. For exothermic reaction, 2 4 T1 then reaction shifts backward a ' and vice versa 2) Effect of pressure If preiswie is increased then equilibrium slichts in the direction with fewer number of moles. 3) Effect of concentration Equilibrium shifts in the direction where concn is less. y conc" of reactants decuases, the equilibrium shifts in backward dunction.