Critical Thinking Case: A Case Study of Mr. M

Answer

Critical Thinking Case: A Case Study of Mr. M

The Clinical Manifestation of Mr. M

 Many clinical manifestations can be linked to Mr. M’s situation. From his feelings of not getting sufficient air, it is evident that he suffers from dyspnea, a condition caused by inadequacy in the exchange of respiratory gases (Peruzza et al., 2003). Other clinical manifestations liked to Mr. M include the presence of hypoxemic failure, a depiction of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, as well as, the presence of the ventilatory capacity decrement.  It is also shown that the capacity of the lung is 164, a figure attributed to the 132 ventricular rates, total lung capacity. All the clinical manifestations described above are sufficient evidence for the health complications that Mr. M experiences.

Primary Diagnoses and Secondary Diagnoses

             Following the clinical manifestations described for the case of Mr. M, one major primary diagnosis that can be inferred is the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OCPD). The presence of this disease can be established and confirmed by the fact that there has been a decline in the patient’s ventilatory capacity. Moreover, the pulmonary-based tests carried out before admitting the patient revealed a persistent flow of air with irregular hyperinflation, as well as, the exchange of respiratory gases. Due to these clinical manifestations, an appropriate diagnosis should be given to the patient to help treat his acute respiratory failure.

             The secondary diagnoses that can be administered to Mr. M based include dyspnea, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure (Peruzza et al., 2015). These secondary diagnoses will reveal the extent to which the general health condition of Mr. M has advanced. Intuitively, the dyspnea condition coupled with challenges emanating from respiratory failure presents a myriad of domains to be considered. Some of these domains include reduced ventilatory capacity. Essentially, it should be noted that most secondary diagnoses are credited to this domain.

Expected Abnormalities

             Reports have revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often influences various structural and functional domains present in the lungs (Yohannes, Roomi, Waters, & Connolly, 1998). The disease also has extrapulmonary effects, commonly known as systemic COPD effects. Other key abnormalities linked to COPD include weight loss, nutritional abnormalities, as well as, dysfunction of the skeletal muscles. All the abnormalities described above are still grouped as the systemic effects of COPD. Some of the complications linked to increased risk in the growth of cardiovascular diseases together with skeletal and neurological defects are some of the detrimental systemic effects. The mechanisms responsible for these forms of systemic abnormalities are still unclear (Yohannes et al., 2018). Nonetheless, such abnormalities are strongly related and equally multifactorial and include tissue hypoxia, inactivity, systemic inflammation, as well as, oxidative stress. Evidently, Mr. M seems to suffer from most of the abnormalities stated above.

            In most cases, the systemic effects together with the respiratory morbidity are created by the prevailing pulmonary disease. As such, they should be examined during the clinical review and treatment time among the infected patients as in the case of Mr. M. In addition to the abnormalities described above, there are nutritional abnormalities that are associated with COPD. These abnormalities include immediate metabolism, changes in caloric intake, the basal rate of metabolism, as well as, the general structure of the body (Couser et al., 2016). It is appropriate to posit that weight loss is often a reality in about 50% of people suffering from this chronic disorder. However, from the findings presented here, it is evident that Mr. M suffers from chronic respiratory failure.

Effects of Health Condition

            The health condition that Mr. M experiences entail negative effects on his psychological and physical welfare. Most patients engage in smoking and this has detrimental risks and effects on their general health. Intuitively, the disease causes a considerable weakness in the patient, as well as, extreme anxiety regarding death. Reportedly, anxiety is unsuitable for psychological health, and this can result in numerous challenges. In addition, respiratory illness causes various physical health risks such as the growth of other heart disorders (Peruzza et al., 2015). Principally, COPD is linked to physical exertions. However, various types of cardiovascular disease can result in heart failure in case appropriate monitoring is not done. Essentially, disorders such as heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, as well as, high blood pressure that is linked to Mr. are health conditions that have detrimental impacts on the physical health and wellbeing of the patient. It should be noted that cigarette smoking contributes to physical challenges that can possibly cause heart failure.

Intervention for Support

             Many forms of intervention can be applied in the case of Mr. M. essentially, the drugs that were subscribed for him were appropriate for the conditions he was suffering from. For instance, Vasotec is an inhibitor used to manage high blood pressure, as well as, other cases related to hypertension. Lasix is the most appropriate and recommended drug for effective management and treatment of edema because this drug helps in fluid retention. The intervention is appropriate for Mr. M since he experiences nausea. To reduce the severe and chronic pain that the patient undergoes, it is appropriate to use morphine. This drug should also be used for Mr. M because the patient has exhibited symptoms of sharp pain. More importantly, the intervention of using inhalers should be adopted to help the patient overcome difficulties in breathing he experiences. The patient needs additional oxygen for critical respiratory functions. Some other intervention measures include using pulmonary-based rehabilitation and bronchodilators. Pulmonary rehabilitation will help the patient gradually stop smoking and start using other means of overcoming drug abuse.

Potential or Actual Problems

            A myriad of real and potential problems can be associated with the health status that Mr. M experiences. First, there is a chance of a polypharmacy problem. Polypharmacy refers to the challenge linked with several medications. As shown in the case scenario provided, the patient uses several medicines to treat the respiratory complications he experiences. Moreover, Couser et al. (2016) posited that polypharmacy is prevalent among aging patients. Therefore, the most appropriate way to control multiple medications entails keeping a correct list of any medication or drug being administered. The next problem is exacerbation. Smoking is one of the leading causes of aggravation, and thus Mr. M risks being readmitted in the future if not handled properly. The appropriate remedy for this problem encompasses a practical examination of health therapies.