Trauma Case Study Answers

I have caught up with Mario a months since his last appointment. During that time, I have obtained copies of previous lung function tests that actually reveal normal spirometry and gas transfer. Static lung volumes are essentially normal. Interestingly at the time of testing in October last year, oxygen saturation was reduced at 92-94%. I also note a stress echocardiogram from twelve months ago did not reveal any ischemic changes, whilst the HRCT report has made comment on some mild peribronchial thickening in keeping with bronchitis.

A sputum sample sent for culture has isolated pneumococcus and Mario has since been treated with two courses of amoxicillin and on review today is feeling much improved with regards to cough. His exertion dyspnoea however remains largely unchanged. On further questioning, Mario is also reporting occasional laryngeal symptoms in the form of throat tightness and dysphonia, but is note clearly reporting this to be an exertion symptoms. …show more content…
Around ten years ago, Mario was diagnosed with sleep apnoea and underwent upper airway surgery, presumably a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Unfortunately, this did not lead to any real improvement in snoring or sleep apnoea symptoms. Currently Mario is sleeping between 10.30pm and 7.30pm with ongoing snoring witnessed apnoeas, fragmented sleep and wakes feeling unrefreshed. He does report some daytime somnolence, but there are no issues with sleepiness with