Emphysema
Mr.C.Y is a 71-year-old man with a significant case of emphysema. Mr. C.Y has previously been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Since the diagnosis, Mr. C.Y claims to have significantly reduced smoking. Mr. CY has been admitted with a suspected case of respiratory failure and a closed pneumothorax.
Emphysema is the weakling and rapturing of the air sacs leading to shortness of breathand other respiratory difficulties. Emphysema affects the lungs, reducing the surface area of the alveoli leading to reduced oxygen intake by the lungs and prevents the efficient release of carbon dioxide (Patsch, 1977). Mr. C.Y is, therefore, experiencing breathing difficulties because of the damaged air sacs in his lungs. Mr. C.Y’s condition may have been because of his smoking habits. The cigarette smoke damages the lungs causing the air sacs to thin and break.
From Mr.C.Ys case,one can expect a fluid buildupin the lungs and high blood pressure due to strained arteries as the body struggles to take in oxygen. The low oxygen levels in the lungs cause strain to the heart that can lead to left-sided heart failure.
Respiratory issues such as pneumonia, asthma, cystic fibrosis, among others, can lead to pneumothorax. Pneumothorax occurs due to lung damage caused by the accumulation of air between the lungs and the chest wall (Pahal & Sharma, 2019). Mr. C.Y has probably developed pneumothorax from the emphysema due to the lungs’ inability to take in air. The air then collects between the lungs and the chest causing chest pains.
Mr. C.Y’s condition has led to respiratory failure, leading to difficulty in breathing. For a patient to be diagnosed with respiratory failure, the patient has to meet at least 2 to three conditions. The person’s oxygen levels have to be lower than 60mmHG or more than 50mmHG, but with a ph. of less than 7.35 (Shebl & Burns, 2018), the oxygen PH changes due to the presence of carbon dioxide, which is acidic. The inability to release and take in air leads to a mix upbetween the oxygen and the carbon dioxide in the body.
When administering oxygen to Mr. C.Y, caution must be exercised to prevent the failure of the lungs. Because of the lung damage, if oxygen is not regulated, it may collect in the space between the lungs and the chest, leading to increased pressure on the lungs, which can be fatal (Currie & Douglas, 2006).
Mr. C.Y may experience mobility issues due to swelling of the limbs. Due to limited oxygen intake in the body, MR CY way experience swelled legs due to edema. This can be relieved by massaging the limbs to reduce the swelling. Due to immobility, Mr. C.Y may develop bedsores. To prevent bedsores, the patient should be turned often and helped to move about to reduce the amount of time spent lying down. The patient may also experience muscle weakness due to a lack of exercise. The nurse can help him in doing simple exercises that will strengthen his muscles.
In some extreme cases, emphysema can lead to congestive heart failure. The lack of sufficient oxygen in the body puts a strain on the heart as it tries to supply oxygen to all parts of the body (De Miguel Díez, Chancafe Morgan & Jiménez García, 2013). The extra work can lead to pulmonary hypertension, which can result in heat failure.
Mr. CY can be treated using antibiotics that can help prevent infections in the lungs and relieve some of the fluid buildups in the lungs. A bronchodilator can help in relieving the breathing difficulties and open up the airways. Steroids can also be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract.
Due to the Increased need for oxygen on the body, Mr. CY needs extra nutrients and food to be able to produce enough energy as the body struggles to stay oxygenated. The patient may, therefore, need extra nutrients and water intravenously. This procedure may not be possible at home.
Mr. CY may require specialized treatment at home where he can spend time with his family, and sill can access his medical needs, such as Intravenous drugs and supplements. The patient would also need a wheelchair to enable them to move around. A physical therapist can help the patient in strengthening the muscles.
References.
Currie, G. P., & Douglas, J. G. (2006). Oxygen and inhalers. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 333(7557), 34–36. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.333.7557.34
De Miguel Díez, J., Chancafe Morgan, J., & Jiménez García, R. (2013). The association between COPD and heart failure risk: a review. International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 8, 305–312. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S31236
Pahal, P., & Sharma, S. (2019). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Compensatory Measure. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
Patsch, J. (1977). Pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide during rest and following exertion in chronic obstructive emphysema. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 127(12), 400-401.
Shebl, E., & Burns, B. (2018). Respiratory Failure.