Pharma Case Study 2 Respiratory

A.B., a 68-year-old man, is admitted to your medical floor with a diagnosis of pleural effusion. He complains of shortness of breath; pain in his chest; weakness; and a dry, irritating cough. His vital signs (VS) are 142/82, 118, respirations 38 and labored and shallow, 102.1° F (38.9° C), and Spo2 85% on room air. Chest x-ray examination reveals a large pleural effusion and pulmonary infiltrates in the right lower lobe consistent with pneumonia. 1. Given his diagnosis, are A.B.'s admission VS expected? Explain YES, because he is in pain which can cause significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Respirations are labored and shallow because of the pain of inspiration. Also, his oxygen is low because shallow breathing does not necessarily provide adequate oxygenation. In addition, there can be empyema (pus in the pleural space which usually develops after pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue) with fever. How does the underlying pathophysiology relate to A.B.'s presenting signs and symptoms? 2. The underlying pathophysiology of a pleural effusion gives rise to A.B’s symptoms because fluid in the pleural cavity acts as a small-occupying mass that causes decrease in lung expansion on the affected side. The patient’s symptoms are shortness of breath (SOB) and labored and shallow respirations at 38 bpm due to fluid collection in the pleural cavity. The lungs are trying to compensate from the lack of oxygen in the alveoli from the fluid so the patient will breathe faster, possibly increase in body temperature, have weakness and be short of breath .................................CONTINUED....................................