Question

Use the image in "Discussion Question Resource: Chest X-Ray" to answer the following Critical Thinking Questions. Examine the x-ray of a patient diagnosed with pneumonia due to infection with Mucor. Refer to the "Module 4 DQ Chest Xray" resource in order to complete the following questions. Critical Thinking Questions Explain what Mucor is and how a patient is likely to become infected with Mucor. Describe the pathophysiologic progression of the infection into pneumonia and at least two medical/nursing interventions that would be helpful in treating the patient. Examine the laboratory blood test results and arterial blood gases provided in "Discussion Question Resource: Laboratory Blood Test Results." What laboratory values are considered abnormal? Explain each abnormality and discuss the probable causes from a pathophysiologic perspective. What medications and medical treatments are likely to be prescribed by the attending physician on this case? List at least three medications and three treatments. Provide rationale for each of the medications and treatments you suggest.

Answer 1

Mucor is a 6 mold species occur in soil, plant surfaces, rotten vegetables, and in the contaminant food. Fungi mucor causes infections in the human beings through the inhalation of fungal spores and lead to respiratory infection such as pneumonia. It also causes infection in the eyes, nasal passages, skin, brain, renal infection and septic arthritis. The possible causes of getting infected with mucor are the inhalation of the spores from the air or directly spreading to the lungs during trauma or surgery, weakened immune system, lung problem, cut or scratches of the skin and smoking(marijuana).

Pathophysiologic progression:

Once it reaches the alveoli, it multiplies and damages the tissue around them. The serous fluid accumulates and infection is widely spread. The overwhelming growth of the organisms results in the lung infection such as pneumonia.

Medical/Nursing intervention:

1. Initiate and maintain oxygen as a supplemental therapy.
2. Clear patent airway and promote gas exchange by administering bronchodilators.

Laboratory Blood test result:

s.no	Abnormal lab values	Indicate	probable causes from the pathophysiologic perspective
1.	Fasting glucose 138mg/dL	High.	High glucose level increases the chance of infection and weakened the immune system.
2.	WBC 15200/mm3	elevated	The body defense mechanism fighting against the unknown organisms.
3.	Lymphocyte 10%	Low	This shows a weakened immune system unable to prevent infection.
4.	HC03- 29meq/L	Baseline normal.	-
5.	PH- 7.50	high alkalotic	This shows respiratory alkalosis.
6.	Pao2- 55mmHg	Low	This shows the person is hypoxia due to the lung infection.
7.	Paco2 25mmHg	Low	Increased CO2 excretion due to hyperventilation.

Medication:

1. Antifungal such as amphotericin B to combat the mucormycosis agent.
2. Bronchodilators for clearing the airway and promote gas exchange.
3. Analgesics- to reduce the pain due to coughing.

Treatment:

1. Initiate IV fluids to replace the losses and for the mobilization of secretions.
2. Oxygen administration to maintain O₂ saturation level above 90%.
3. Surgical debridement of necrotic tissues infected with mucormycosis to prevent the life-threatening situation.