This case study will explore the management of a complicated case of acute respiratory failure. The key aspects that will be discussed within this essay will be addressed ethically with emphasis placed on maintaining patient confidentiality. Firstly, this essay will include an overview of Mr Jones condition, relevant history and a brief discussion of his symptoms and assessment findings. Secondly, the anatomical and pathophysiology of the respiratory system will be analysed and the interrelationship between the clinical characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms of respiratory failure will be identified. Lastly, the pathophysiological processes of respiratory failure will be critically analysed and with the use of evidence based literature, linked to the clinical presentation of Mr Jones.
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Relevant past medical history included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina and hypertension. He does not consistently take his prescribed medications and is a heavy, long-term and current smoker. On presentation, Mr Jones appeared acutely unwell. Mr Jones was hypertensive, his pulse was tachycardic, he was tachypneic with shallow and labored breathing. His oxygen saturations were 84% on two litres of oxygen via nasal prongs. Arterial blood gases revealed a blood pH level of 7.10, a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) level of 80 and a blood bicarbonate (HCO3) level of 30, as well as an increasing lactate level. A chest X-ray revealed hyperinflation of the lungs. The preliminary diagnosis for Mr Jones found that he was experiencing acute respiratory failure exacerbated by his long term chronic obstructive pulmonary
Relevant past medical history included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina and hypertension. He does not consistently take his prescribed medications and is a heavy, long-term and current smoker. On presentation, Mr Jones appeared acutely unwell. Mr Jones was hypertensive, his pulse was tachycardic, he was tachypneic with shallow and labored breathing. His oxygen saturations were 84% on two litres of oxygen via nasal prongs. Arterial blood gases revealed a blood pH level of 7.10, a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) level of 80 and a blood bicarbonate (HCO3) level of 30, as well as an increasing lactate level. A chest X-ray revealed hyperinflation of the lungs. The preliminary diagnosis for Mr Jones found that he was experiencing acute respiratory failure exacerbated by his long term chronic obstructive pulmonary