Question

Patient Introduction

Vincent Brody is a 67-year-old male admitted directly from the provider’s office several hours ago for exacerbation of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is maintaining O2 saturations at 94% on 2 L/min of oxygen per nasal cannula. IV of potassium chloride in 5% dextrose and normal saline is infusing at 100 mL/hr in his right hand. He has responded well to medications and treatments and appears to be resting. He continues to have a productive cough. Patient has a 50-year history of smoking 2 packs a day. During the last year he has had two exacerbations. Physical findings include a barrel chest and clubbed fingers.

Medical Case 3: Vincent Brody

Guided Reflection Questions:

1) For a patient with COPD who is stable, what resources would you recommend?

2) What would you do differently if you were to repeat this scenario? How would your patient care change?

Answer 1

1.COPD is known as Chronic obstructive lung disease and chronic airflow limitation.It is characterized by airflow obstruction caused by emphysema or chronic bronchitis.it leads to pulmonary insufficiency,pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale.Getting patients to stop smoking is one of the single most interventions .The resources are Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation therapy.

2 If the scenario were repeated i would

• Provide respiratory treatments and CPT.
• frequently monitor vital signs.
• Instruct the client in diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing techniques and pursed-lip breathing techniques.
• Suction fluids from the clients lungs,if necessary to clear the airway and prevent infection.
• Monitor weight.
• Provide a high calorie ,high protein diet with supplements.
• Place the client in high fowlers position.
• Encourage small frequent meals to maintain nutrition and prevent dyspnea.
• Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
• Administer corticosteroids,mucolytics and antibiotics as prescribed.