A patient with chronic bronchitis has had chronic hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis for many years. During a recent acute exacerbation, he is noted to also have distended neck veins (JVD), cardiomegaly, liver enlargement and tenderness and pedal edema. This complication is best described as:
Read DetailsA patient is admitted to the ED of a local hospital in an acute onset of an asthma exacerbation; upon entering the room you note the following: HR = 136, RR = 22, moderate use of accessory muscles, hypertension and SpO2 90% on 3 L/NC. Upon your assessment you note faint expiratory wheezes bilaterally and as you palpate the patient’s pulse you note that it weakens in strength during the patient’s inspiratory phase. Which of the following is causing this finding?
Read DetailsA patient with a severe asthma attack has many mucus plugs. Which of the following of the structural changes of the lung will most likely be expected to occur that can lead to clinical finding of fine crackles and diminished breath sounds?
Read DetailsA mother brought her 10 year old son to the physician. He has been coughing up secretions and having wheezy breathing ever since choking on food six months ago. The physician diagnosed the boy with bronchiectasis. What could be the underlying cause of his condition?
Read DetailsYou are called to the ED to see a COPD patient in acute respiratory distress. She is afebrile, HR 122 bpm, BP 136/88. ABGs results on 1 lpm NC are: pH 7.46, PaCO2 48, HCO3 30, PaO2 42. Her respiratory rate is 24 bpm and breath sounds are without wheezes or crackles. Which action is MOST appropriate at this time?
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