Discuss the respiratory signs and symptoms (information and cues) in light of your knowledge of respiratory function and dysfunction.

Discuss the respiratory signs and symptoms (information and cues) in light of your knowledge of respiratory function and dysfunction. (Demonstrate your understanding of the structure and function of the respiratory system, analyse and integrate the clinical data from the scenario to explain the physiology and pathophysiology of the abnormal respiratory state).

Identify and explain the intent of any interventions ( Analyse and integrate clinical data to explain reasons for and consequences of common clinical interventions)

Scenario:

Her blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, pulse rate 100 bpm and respiratory rate 22.

A lung examination reveals bilateral crackles in the upper lobes and decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes. Wheezing is noted without auscultation.

A chest X-ray shows consolidation of the lower lobes in the right lung consistent with pneumonia. Sputum culture results are positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Arterial bloods:

pH:                                       7.30

pCO2:                                   50 mmHg

PO2:                                     55 mmHg

Haemoglobin - O2 saturation 45%

HCO3-:                                  24 mmol/L

Normal arterial levels:

pH:                                       7.40 ± 0.05

pCO2:                                   40 mmHg

PO2:                                     90 - 100 mmHg

Haemoglobin - O2 saturation: 94 - 100%

HCO3-:                                  24 mmol/L

Management

Treated as an inpatient with a 14-day course of IV antibiotics. Responded well to therapy: her cough and sputum production improved, and her ABGs returned to normal levels.