Question

1) Read the following case study 2) List two possible pathologies that could be causing the patients signs and symptoms (this is called a differential diagnosis list) 3) Explain what test or tests should be preformed on the patient in order to determine which pathology is the proper diagnosis 4) Pick one of the possible pathologies that you listed and describe what the treatment and prognosis would be Case Study -Week 7 A 57 year old male presents with a persistent cough that started last week and is producing yellow sputum. He d that he occasionally feels feverish and his muscles are achy. He has been a smoker for 30 years. "Your answer should be about a paragraph long

Answer 1

2.The possible differential diagnosis in accordance with the signs and symptoms are

• Acute bronchitis
• Pneumonia

3.The tests like blood test to rule out infection, chest x Ray to see where the consolidation (pneumonia) is present,ABG and pulse oximetry test to detect for hypoxia or underlying cause, sputum test if highly suspected for bacterial infection.CT scan to confirm for infection

4.The patient seems to have acute bronchitis, where patient present with yellow sputum ,cough,fever,muscle pain

People who smoke are at more risk of getting bronchitis

Treatment :

• Medication
  • Bronchodilator to relieve spasm and enhance oxygen saturation
  • Antipyretics to treat fever
  • Antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection
  • Cough suppression if the patient is unable to manage and to relieve discomfort at chest
• Increase fluid intake
• Encourage the patient to take adequate rest to fight fatigue

The patient has a complete prognosis if treated early in acute bronchitis. If the patient is experiencing chronic bronchitis, the symptoms can be managed well and patient generally lead to normal activities