Respiratory Shadow Health Tina Jones Lifespan
Tina’s second cousin was diagnosed with asthma at age 5. What would be included in your treatment plan? What factors might concern you related to compliance?
Student Response: Patients under the age of 18 who have asthma are treated with xxx.
Model Note: Younger patients with asthma receive the same medication as adults, with some dosages based on weight. It is essential for Tina to use an inhaler with a spacer attached for proper medication administration, and her caregiver should always assist her. Nebulizer treatments are considered less efficient for medication delivery. The provider should consider the possibility of Tina having an asthma attack while at school and provide her with a note allowing her to use the inhaler as needed. Both the patient and her caregiver should receive education on the importance of keeping the inhaler nearby and understanding its proper use.
Consider that Tina’s uncle is now 68 years old and has smoked heavily every day since he was fifteen. What would you expect to find in his respiratory assessment? How would this affect your oxygenation goals for this patient?
Student Response: As a result of smoking-induced emphysematous alterations in his lungs, he most likely has xxx.
Model Note: Due to years of heavy smoking, Tina’s uncle is likely to have decreased breath sounds on auscultation caused by emphysematous changes in his lungs. The chronic inflammation and irritation from smoking lead to the destruction of alveoli, resulting in reduced surface area for gas exchange and lower oxygen saturation. Given his body’s adaptation to chronic oxygen deprivation, it’s crucial to carefully manage supplemental oxygen levels. The goal for severe COPD patients like him is to maintain oxygen saturation between 88% and 92%. Administering too much oxygen could decrease his respiratory drive and increase the risk of death.
