Question

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM CASE STUDY: EX-SERVICE MAN James was a 45-year-old retired service man. Recently he was experiencing frequent respiratory Infections. He was coughing up bloody sputum with pus. He was bedridden for several days each time, He experienced leg cramping because of so much inactivity. When he joined his buddies on the golf course, he experienced shortness of breath (SOB), lightheadedness and dyspnea. He also had considerable chest pain, causing him to go to the regional veterans' administration (VA) hospital. At the hospital, the admitting nurse and physician assistant examined and questioned him. He admitted to smoking 3 packs of cigarettes a day for about 20 years. He also admitted that in his younger years he was a heavy drinker, but doesn't drink much now. The following clinical Information was obtained: Pulse-110 Physical Features: cyanosis Respiratory Rate/RR - 35 clubbing of the toes and fingers Temperature - 101 F barrel chest Blood pH-alkaline slight pain when squeezing his gastrocnemius Blood Oxygen Level/ P,02 (concern-possible phlebitis) 52 mm Hg [Normal - 75-100 mmHg) (partial pressures) Hypoxemia FEV-below normal A sputum analysis was made. Tiotropium Oral Inhalant, Albuterol, antibiotics and sterolds were prescribed. He was placed on a pulmonary rehabilitation program and suggested to use supplemental oxygen when exercising. Questions: 1. Define hemoptysis & dyspnea and explain how these along with respiratory rate, cyanosis and clubbing are appropriate for describing COPD? (3 pts.) 2. Identify the type of these medications (be specific), Tiotropium Oral Inhalant and Albuterol, and justify their usage. (4 pts.) 3. Explain what data would be supportive of use of the suggested therapy for YOUR diagnosis (What type of COPD)? (3 pts.)

Answer 1

Answer 1) Hemoptysis is a condition where blood is found in lungs and respiratory airways which is brought up by the forceful cough. Dyspnea is referred to shortness of breath and laboured breathing. COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms involves increased heart rate, dyspnea and hemoptysis due to the obstruction in the lungs. It also involves cyanosis and clubbing in the hands and legs due to less flow of oxygen in them.

Answer 2) Tiotropium oral inhalant- It is an inhalant anticholinergic medicine. It helps in reducing shortness of breath by relaxing the muscles of lungs. It is referred in long term usage.
Albuterol- It is a bronchodilator which expands the bronchioles, increases the surface area of lungs which ultimately provides relief in shortness of breath. It must be used for instant relief.

Answer 3) There are symptoms suggesting copd such as shortness of breath, dyspnea and increased respiratory rate. It indicates emphysema which is caused by excessive smoking over a long period of time.