Reference no: EM132203551

Discussion: Respiratory Alterations

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 properly diagnose and prescribe treatment for their patients. For this reason, you must have an understanding of the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders.

Consider the following three scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Scenario 2: Writing will base on Scenario 2

Kevin is a 6-year-old boy who is brought in for evaluation by his parents. The parents are concerned that he has a really deep cough that he just can't seem to get over. The history reveals that he was in his usual state of good health until approximately 1 week ago when he developed a profound cough. His parents say that it is deep and sounds like he is barking. He coughs so hard that sometimes he actually vomits. The cough is productive for mucus, but there is no blood in it. Kevin has had a low-grade temperature but nothing really high. His parents do not have a thermometer and don't know for sure how high it got. His past medical history is negative. He has never had childhood asthma or RSV. His mother says that they moved around a lot in his first 2 years and she is not sure that his immunizations are up to date. She does not have a current vaccination record.

Scenario 3: To Prepare

• Review the three scenarios, as well as Chapter 27 and Chapter 28 in the Huether and McCance text.
• Select one of the scenarios and consider the respiratory disorder and underlying alteration associated with the type of cough described.
• Identify the pathophysiology of the alteration that you associated with the cough.
• Select two of the following factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how the factors you selected might impact the disorder.
• A description of the disorder and underlying respiratory alteration associated with the type of cough in your selected scenario.
• Then, explain the pathophysiology of the respiratory alteration.
• Finally, explain how the factors you selected might impact the disorder.