preview

Copd Case Study

Decent Essays
Open Document

1. How would you describe the pathophysiology of COPD and comorbid heart failure to Charlie, considering that he has no medical knowledge/background?
I would explain to Charlie that COPD is when his airway (windpipe) and lungs are chronically inflamed. I would tell him that with COPD that extra mucous is produced by the cells of his lungs and airway, and the cells that are supposed to help clear out the mucous don’t work very well when you have COPD. Because of the inflammation and mucous, the cells in his lungs are obstructed (or blocked) causing airflow limitation. I would then explain to Charlie that heart failure is when his heart isn’t able to fill up with blood effectively or pump blood around the body effectively. A person can develop …show more content…

Metoprolol – This medication is used to lower your blood pressure so that your heart doesn't have to work so hard to push the blood in your body. You need to take this medication so that your heart failure does not become worse.
d. Lisinopril – This is a medication that lowers your blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels in your body so that your heart does not have to work so hard.
e. Furosemide – This is a medication is frequently called a “water pill” and helps to remove water from your body. This medication will make you have to go to the bathroom more, but it is needed because extra fluid accumulates in the body in a person with heart failure.
f. KDur – This medication is potassium. You need this medication because the furosemide, or “water pill”, removes potassium from your body along with water. Therefore, you need to replace that potassium that is lost so that you don’t get sick. If you don't have enough potassium, you could become really tired and constipated, or even worse, you may get an irregular heart rhythm.
g. Aspirin – this is medication that is used to help prevent inflammation in your body and also helps prevent blood clots. This medication is important to prevent another blockage in your heart that can cause another heart

Get Access