COPD case study

Client profile: This is an 87-year-old male patient admitted September 16, 2002 for increased work of breathing, dyspnea, COPD exacerbation and bi-lateral bronchopneumonia. I provided care on January 30, 2002, hospital day number nine for the patient. He has a history of COPD due to emphysema, atrial fibrillation, and chronic vertigo. Past surgeries include an aortic aneurysm repair, right hip replacement, and hernia repair.
Medical diagnoses:
Dyspnea – increased pulmonary pressure due to interstitial and alveolar edema results in poor gas exchange. This results in shortness of breath causing the patient to become aware of “air hunger” which causes rapid, shallow respirations. My patient had the classic signs of difficulty breathing, use of accessory muscles, and increased of rate of respirations. According to Medical-Surgical Nursing by Lewis, Heitkemper and Dirksen, treatment includes oxygen therapy, pharmacological measures and physical techniques. The care of my p...