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Mr. Collins Case Study Analysis
Name:
Galen College of Nursing
NSG 3300: Concepts of Pathophysiology for Nursing
Betha Rutledge, Ed.D, MSN, RN
July 28, 2026
, 2
Mr. Collins Case Study Analysis
Mr. Collins presented at the emergency department with signs of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation. One with COPD has progressive lung-related
problems, mostly chronic bronchitis or emphysema (CDC.gov, 2024). Due to these conditions,
the patient’s airways (bronchi) swell, become irritated, and produce mucus at a significantly
higher rate, narrowing and obstructing the airflow. Following alveolar damage, the lungs fail to
exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) as they should, which explains why the patient
exhibits shortness of breath (Banasik, 2022).
Mr. Collins' sitting position (leans forward with arms on the bedside tray) signifies
respiratory distress, a sign characteristically portrayed by people with COPD exacerbations.
However, the clinician would want to make a more informed assessment to inform effective
treatment. For instance, a cough exam will help determine whether Mr. Collins experiences
airway obstruction, a symptom typically caused by progressive mucus production. Equally
important is assessing for lung wheezing sounds to confirm airflow obstruction. Further
examination of the patient’s breathing pattern might help determine lung function and the
patient’s ability to inhale and exhale (Banasik, 2022).
In line with a COPD exacerbation, the clinician expects the patient to portray various
abnormalities. Since Mr. Collins’ lungs do not function as they should, one expects his oxygen
saturation level to be lower than that of a healthy person. Conversely, his arterial blood might
indicate a higher carbon dioxide concentration, which may accompany a slight decrease in pH. In
an effort to draw in air and exhale excess carbon dioxide, Mr. Collins may experience an
Mr. Collins Case Study Analysis
Name:
Galen College of Nursing
NSG 3300: Concepts of Pathophysiology for Nursing
Betha Rutledge, Ed.D, MSN, RN
July 28, 2026
, 2
Mr. Collins Case Study Analysis
Mr. Collins presented at the emergency department with signs of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation. One with COPD has progressive lung-related
problems, mostly chronic bronchitis or emphysema (CDC.gov, 2024). Due to these conditions,
the patient’s airways (bronchi) swell, become irritated, and produce mucus at a significantly
higher rate, narrowing and obstructing the airflow. Following alveolar damage, the lungs fail to
exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) as they should, which explains why the patient
exhibits shortness of breath (Banasik, 2022).
Mr. Collins' sitting position (leans forward with arms on the bedside tray) signifies
respiratory distress, a sign characteristically portrayed by people with COPD exacerbations.
However, the clinician would want to make a more informed assessment to inform effective
treatment. For instance, a cough exam will help determine whether Mr. Collins experiences
airway obstruction, a symptom typically caused by progressive mucus production. Equally
important is assessing for lung wheezing sounds to confirm airflow obstruction. Further
examination of the patient’s breathing pattern might help determine lung function and the
patient’s ability to inhale and exhale (Banasik, 2022).
In line with a COPD exacerbation, the clinician expects the patient to portray various
abnormalities. Since Mr. Collins’ lungs do not function as they should, one expects his oxygen
saturation level to be lower than that of a healthy person. Conversely, his arterial blood might
indicate a higher carbon dioxide concentration, which may accompany a slight decrease in pH. In
an effort to draw in air and exhale excess carbon dioxide, Mr. Collins may experience an
