Respiratory Alterations
In clinical settings patients often present with various respiratory symptoms such as congestion coughing and wheezing. While identifying a symptoms underlying illness can be challenging it is essential because even basic symptoms such as persistent coughing can be a sign of a more severe disorder. Advanced practice nurses must be able to differentiate between moderate and severe respiratory disorders as well as properly diagnose and prescribe treatment for their patients. For this reason you must have an understanding of the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders.
Consider this scenario
Scenario 3:
Maria is a 36-year-old who presents for evaluation of a cough. She is normally a healthy young lady with no significant medical history. She takes no medications and does not smoke. She reports that she was in her usual state of good health until approximately 3 weeks ago when she developed a really bad cold. The cold is characterized by a profound deep mucus-producing cough. She denies any rhinorrhea or rhinitisthe primary problem is the cough. She develops these coughing fits that are prolonged very deep and productive of a lot of green sputum. She hasnt had any fever but does have a scratchy throat. Maria has tried over-the-counter cough medicines but has not had much relief. The cough keeps her awake at night and sometimes gets so bad that she gags and dry heaves.
To prepare:
Review the the scenario as well as Chapter 26 and Chapter 27 in the Huether and McCance text.
Select one of the scenarios and consider the respiratory disorder and underlying alteration associated with the type of cough described.
Identify the pathophysiology of the alteration that you associated with the cough.
Select two of the following factors: genetics gender ethnicity or behavior. Reflect on how the factors you selected might impact the disorder.
Post on or before Day 3 a description of the disorder and underlying respiratory alteration associated with the type of cough in your selected scenario. Then explain the pathophysiology of the respiratory alteration. Finally explain how the factors you selected might impact the disorder.
