Question

Choose a medical condition from the respiratory system or HEENT system and explain the pathophysiology changes that may occur. What patient education would need to be included related to this disorder?

Answer 1

ANSWER :

CHOOSE A MEDICAL CONDITION FROM RESPIRATORY SYSTEM :

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) : COPD is defined as a progressive lung disease consisting of emphysema, bronchitis, asthma. In this condition the patient experiences difficulty in breathing.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY :

Due to cigarette smoking it leads to irritation of tissues, it leads to destruction of tissues. The destruction and irritation of tissues leads to inflammation of lungs which leads to mucous secretion, it leads to damage of the airways leads t destruction of airways. It leads to alveolar macrophages increases causing neutrophils, lymphocytes doubles its rate. It leads to inflammation of airways called bronchitis, damage of alveoli called emphysema and finally it leads to COPD breathlessness.

PATIENT EDUCATION : The patient education to be given for COPD condition are as follows :

* Encourage the patient to stop cigarette smoking

* Make patient to learn about breathing exercises and practice them regularly

* Educate patient not to stop the medications even a day without the prescription of a physician

* Educate patient to protect him/ herself from dust, fumes, irritants, smoke as they increase breathlessness

* Make patient to participate in small group activities and support groups

* If patient is obese ask them to reduce weight by eating healthy diet

* Take their own time in completing the daily activities slowly

* Avoid alcoholism.