Explain how the anatomical structures and their physiological function/dysfunction are interrelated normally and what is going wrong with the structures in this current patient case information.

Question

1.Identify all anatomical structures related to and/or that are being affected based on the patient case information.

2.Identify and explain possible a diagnosis and what can be done to fix or reverse the current situation described in the patient case information.

Patient Case (Initial Review):

You are an ER Doc in a rural town and you just walked in to a room with a patient named Frank. Frank is in serious condition. Upon entering the room and performing a quick physical exam you identify the following physical symptoms:

Cough

Mucus

Cyanosis

Swollen Liver

Edema

sPO2 of 70%

You ask for lab tests and get the following lab results:

pH 7.32

PaO2 35 mmHg

PaCO2 80 mmHg

HCO3- 40 mM

Further Question(s)/Information:

After further analysis the Doctor thinks this patient might have emphysema.

What are your thoughts on this diagnosis and how would emphysema explain the lab tests and physical symptoms above?

What would be the plan to fix this?

Answer 1

1. Anatomical structures related to and/or being affected in this patient case include the respiratory system, liver, and circulatory system. Specifically, the lungs, bronchi, and alveoli in the respiratory system are likely affected, as evidenced by the cough, mucus, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen). The liver is also swollen, which suggests possible liver dysfunction. The edema and low sPO2 (oxygen saturation) indicate possible issues with the circulatory system.
2. Emphysema is a possible diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms and lab results. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to decreased oxygen exchange and difficulty breathing. The lab results of low pH, low PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen), high PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), and high HCO3- (bicarbonate) are consistent with respiratory acidosis, which can occur in emphysema due to the inability to properly exhale carbon dioxide.

To fix this, the patient may require supplemental oxygen therapy to increase oxygen levels and improve breathing. Medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids may also be prescribed to improve lung function and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery such as lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation may be necessary. Additionally, the patient may benefit from lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding air pollutants. The swollen liver may also require further evaluation and treatment, depending on the cause of the swelling

Answer 2

In emphysema there occur a destruction in wall of alveoli that causes the mucous content to escape out from the lungs, when this mucous comes out into interstitial fluid it causes cough. this edema fluid also reaches to the liver and cause swelling here, so all physical symptom shown by patient completely fix on this pathophysiological condition. and when we see the lab test there show metabolic acidosis decrease of ph from normal value 7.45 to 7.32, increase partial pressure of co2 that cause difficult in breathing