COPD Case Study

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Recommended: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

Amanda Newton-Brown
Pathophysiology 370
October 1, 2015
Case Study COPD
What clinical findings are likely in R.S, as a consequence of his COPD? Many clinical findings can be a problematic for R.S, due to him having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is composed by two closely related diseases being Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Polycythemia is a prominent consequence of COPD, which is an abnormally increased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, through either reduction of plasma volume or increase in red cell numbers (Mayoclinic,2015). He has elevated PaCO2 and HCO3 levels, indicating respiratory acidosis partially compensated. R.S, suffers from chronic bronchitis COPD type B, also labeling him as a “blue bloater,” which can cause him to experience symptoms of peripheral edema, elevated hemoglobin, dyspnea, chest tightness, cyanosis, wheezing, and a persistent cough. The symptoms of the dyspnea, cough, cyanosis, and wheezing result from the changes in the smooth muscle in the bronchus and congestion of the alveoli. These patients
Extreme cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to cor pulmonale, increased vascular resistance and right heart failure, accompanied by reduced left ventricular filling, left ventricular stroke volume, and cardiac output. COPD and left-sided heart failure are not directly related. However, the two conditions may influence each other. For example, low oxygen in the blood from COPD may put excess strain on the heart, worsening left-sided heart failure. Excess fluid in the lungs from heart failure can make breathing even more difficult for someone with COPD (WebMd.com). Smoking increases problems for both the heart and the lungs, which is one of the main reasons for patients with respiratory disease to quit smoking because it also affects the

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