Question

Case Study: Respiratory Infection

Louise Trimble, a 72-year-old female client has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She smokes occasionally and is admitted to the hospital with bilateral pneumonia in the lower lobes. Ms. Trimble is active in her church and the church has regular social events where everyone shakes hands with each other. During the past several weeks she has visited the homes of her “older” friends because they have been sick with a terrible cough, fever, and body aches. The client has oxygen at home for her COPD.

What viral infection could Ms. Trimble have had prior to her developing bilateral pneumonia?

If you auscultate her lungs what would you expect to hear? Why would you hear these sounds? EXPLAIN your answer.

What are the risks stated in this case that make her more likely to get pneumonia? List 3 and give a DETAILED reason for why you selected these

Answer 1

The viral infection is COVID 19

Auscultation

• Crackling, bubbling and rumbling sound on inhalation because of fluid moving into collapsed air sacs
• Rubbing sound due to swollen tissue rubs over pleural cavity
• Wheezing due to COPD and clogged bronchus
• No breath sounds in some part of lung due to absense of air entry

Risk Factors

• Age - ms.Trimple is 72 yr old and covid risk increases with age
• Comorbid conditions - she was already a patient with COPD. Covid progresses rapidly in patients with known pulmonary disease.
• Socialization - covid spreads through contact. She visited persons with fever and cough. And she is active in church and handshakes with different people increased her risk of getting infection.