Case study (12 Questions)_Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease Essay

Case study (12 Questions)_Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease - Essay Example Antibiotic therapy is directed at the most common pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Mild to moderate exacerbations of COPD are usually treated with older broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. While doing the abovementioned management for the patient, detailed history should be done, if not obtained from the patient, from the companion. Risk factors, medications,measures done should be detailed. The vital signs of the patient should be checked constantly making sure that values are within normal. In-depth physical examination, not only of the respiratory system, but also of other systems should be done. The patient should be hooked on pulse oximeter to check for oxygenation status. Angela is also extremely distressed on arrival and asks "She is going to be all right isnt she? I know this is my fault - I wanted her to do everything – spend time with me when I knew she was busy!" Chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases is characterized by the inflammation of the lungs especially the small airways as a reaction of the body to inhaled toxins, cigarette smoke, dust and other particles due to air pollution or indoor cooking. Chronic productive cough, sputum and bronchoconstriction also result due to chronic bronchitis but ciliary dysfunctions may cause difficulties in expectorating (Devereux, 2006). The inflammation triggers a series of reactions that can lead to destruction of tissues, defense and repair mechanisms. Overworked proteases and antioxidants that fight off oxidative stress created by lung inflammation causes imbalance of these molecules in the lungs. Metalloproteases and other proteases increase due to increased number of macrophages, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes which are also involved in the pathogenesis of emphysema due to injuries in