Prompt for the case study:
A 58-year-old white male presents with complaints of increased fatigue and reports that his wife complains that he is constantly snoring. He has had an increase in fatigue and headaches in the last few months after he experienced a lay off at work. He reports that he is not as active and has gained about 20 pounds in that time. He has a history of hypertension but denies any other significant history. He was supposed to be evaluated a few years ago for obstructive sleep apnea with a sleep study but couldn’t have the test due to COVID restrictions. The patient is 6’2” and weighs 274 pounds. His BP is 164/84, pulse is 90, resp 20, and temp 98.2F. Physical exam unremarkable except for increased waist and neck circumference, hypertension, and BMI.
An understanding of the respiratory system is a critically important component of disease diagnosis and treatment. This importance is magnified by the fact that oftentimes, the respiratory system works closely with the cardiovascular system. A variety of factors and circumstances that impact the emergence and severity of issues in one system can have a role in the performance of the other.
Effective disease analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond these systems and their capacity to work together. The impact of patient characteristics, as well as racial and ethnic variables, can also have an important impact.
An understanding of the symptoms of alterations in the respiratory system is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For APRNs, this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify the elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific case study scenario for this Case Study Assignment. Please see the “Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
The Assignment
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following
The pulmonary pathophysiologic processes that result in the patient presenting these symptoms.
Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
How these processes interact to affect the patient.
30 to >27.0 pts
Excellent
The response accurately and thoroughly describes the patient symptoms. … The response includes accurate, clear, and detailed reasons, with explanation for the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
30 to >27.0 pts
Excellent
The response includes an accurate, complete, detailed, and specific explanation of how the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes interact to affect the patient.
25 to >22.0 pts
Excellent
The response includes an accurate, complete, detailed, and specific explanation of racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. … A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineate all required criteria.
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
5 to >4.0 pts
Excellent
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
