Discussion: Respiratory Disorders
In clinical settings, patients often present with various respiratory symptoms, such as congestion, coughing, and wheezing. While identifying a symptom's underlying illness can be challenging, it is essential because even basic symptoms, such as persistent coughing, can be a sign of a more severe disorder. Advanced practice nurses must be able to differentiate between moderate and severe respiratory disorders, as well as to properly assist physicians in the diagnosis and prescription of drug treatments for patients. For this reason, it is necessary for you to have an understanding of the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders and patient factors that impact drug treatment.
To prepare:
• Review this week's mid course review.
• Review Chapter 27 of the Huether and McCance text and Chapter 26 and Chapter 27 of the Arcangelo text.
• Select and research one of the following respiratory disorders: the common cold, pneumonia, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Consider the pathophysiology, as well as the types of drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat this disorder.
• Select one of the following factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Consider how your selected factor might impact the pathophysiology of the disorder and effects of prescribed drugs.
• Think about how you would facilitate the care of the patient with the patient's care team. Remember that the care team might include physicians, advanced practice nurses, nurses, nursing assistants, home health aides, social workers, family members, etc.
Post a description of the respiratory disorder you selected, including its pathophysiology and types of drugs that would be prescribed to treat patients. Then, explain how the factor you selected might impact the pathophysiology of the disorder as well as the effects of prescribed drugs. Finally, explain how you would facilitate the care of the patient with the patient's care team.