Clinical scenario 1: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Case Study
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.

 The case study shows that the patient is suffering from COPD. This
Acute Exacerbation is most likely a result of persistent smoking
despite emphysema. Smoking leads to loss of elasticity of alveoli
causing air to be trapped in alveoli during expiration. The condition is
already irreversible.
 Patient is having Acute Exacerbation of COPD which most likely
developed due to current smoking status despite of COPD. The
patient is having the saturation level upto 88% on room air in long
standing.
 Also there respiratory drive become dependent on Hypoxia. Thus the
supplemental oxygen is targeted for a saturation between 88- 92%
only so that not to suppress hypoxia. Thus the supplemental oxygen is
targeted for a Saturation between 88-92% only so that not to supress
hypoxia dependent respiratory drive.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.

 A cough that produces a lot of mucus, this is often called smoker’s cough. The
patient might have SOB, especially with physical activity. An ongoing cough
or a cough that produces a lot of mucus; this is often called smoker's cough.
The patient may also suffer with chest tightness. If the patient is suffering
from COPD, then he may also have colds or other respiratory infections such
as the flu, or influenza. The severity of the symptoms depend on how much
the lungs are damaged. The severity of the COPD may be seen if there is
swelling in the ankles, feet and legs. It may also cause weight loss and lower
muscle endurance.
Clinical Interventions:

 Diaphragmatic breathing: It reduces

respiratory rate, increases alveolar ventilation,
and sometimes helps expel as much air as
possible during expiration. Diaphragmatic
breathing is a type of a breathing exercise that
helps strengthen your diaphragm, an important
muscle that helps you breathe. This breathing
exercise is also sometimes called belly
breathing or abdominal breathing.
Clinical Interventions:

 Pursed lip breathing. Pursed lip breathing

helps slow expiration, prevents collapse of
small airways, and control the rate and depth
of respiration. Pursed lip breathing is a
breathing technique designed to make your
breaths more effective by making them slower
and more intentional. It is done after inhaling
by puckering your lips and exhaling through
them slowly and deliberately, often to a count.
Discharge

 Thepatient will be discharged with home

oxygen, smoking cessation, antibiotic and
Short Course Oral steroid (5 days
recommended now only).