Unfolding Case Study Pneumonia-COPD Case Study (with answers).

Unfolding Case Study Pneumonia-COPD Case Study (with answers). Joanne Walker is an 84-year-old female who has had a productive cough of green phlegm 4 days that continues to persist. She was started 3 days ago on prednisone 60 mg PO daily and azithromycin (specific for respiratory disorders) (Zithromax) 250 mg PO X 5 days by her clinic physician. Though she has had intermittent chills, she first noticed a fever last night of 102.0º F. She has had more difficulty breathing during the night and has been using her albuterol (short acting) (bronchoconstriction blocks this med from going in, medical professionals use a nebulizer because mist can travel lower) inhaler every 1-2 hours with no improvement. Therefore, she called 9-1-1 and arrives at the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services (EMS) where you are the nurse who will be responsible for her care. Joanne has a history of COPD (at risk for PNA) and has a history of smoking 1 PPD x 40 years. She quit 10 years ago. She also has a hx of HTN, hyperlipidemia, and Cor Pulmonale (secondary to pulmonary HTN by hypoxia) secondary to her COPD which is being treated with medications.