Kathleen Said:

are there any stem-cell test study programs in wa state?

We Answered:

The only tests I've read about so far are for paralysis where they are having some success. Have you tried the usual Google for COPD and "stem cell therapy"? About the only thing I can think of. I sympathize, I've got some COPD due to smoking also.

Sergio Said:

What causes chocolate cravings in patients with COPD??

We Answered:

It probably related to the caffine in chocolate. You might hear the same thing about COPD and coffee.

Caffine is a natural Bronchodilator, although it is a sort of weak one. It helps them breath easier.

Caffine is sold in medicine form for patients with lung disease under the name Theophyline.

Courtney Said:

Why was UCLA's Tashkin's hypothesis about definitive links between cancer and MJ Smoking proven wrong by him?

We Answered:

i don't do pot / i don't drink. frankly i don't give dam either way.

But smoking it worse way to get this drug into your system .compare to eating it etc. your drawing tar into your lungs which can,t be good for you.

Maureen Said:

COPD predominant to emphysema?

We Answered:

I am not sure what you are asking. Emphysema is one of the 5 diseases that can make up COPD. You can have emphysema and not be COPD. And you could have COPD and not have emphysema but unlikely. Can you please restate your question?

Herbert Said:

Which is the easiest/noncomplicated case study in Nursing: COPD, Emphysema, Atelectasis, or Placenta Previa?

We Answered:

COPD. Look for pink frothy sputum.

Adrian Said:

I need help!!! I'm in a nursing program.?

We Answered:

A lot of what you have described could refer to pulmonary problems. A likely medical diagnosis could be pulmonary hypertension, however, tests would be have to be done to verify that diagnosis.

The data I used to achieve that diagnosis includes: Shortness of breath and swelling in the lower extremities. I decided not to take the morning cough into account because that is common in elderly patients anyway.

However, you said that she has difficulty breathing whilst walking, this could be due a range of conditions, however, I would associate that with a respiratory complaint.

Treatments that I would suggest depends on the type of PH the patient has.

Since venous hypertension would suggest congestive heart failure, I would check to make sure that the right side of the heart is still working, as if she does indeed have a damaged right side, this would exhibit fairly similiar symptoms.

However, the general treatment options for pulmonary hypertension are mainly courses of drugs, and although they only manage the blood pressure, however, surgery is also an option in some forms of pulmonary hypertension.

However, there is also a good chance that your patient has COPD, which as you know is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The way you could get a certain diagnosis would be to conduct chest x-rays, a physical exam (making sure to monitor the lungs at all times and definitely a spirometry to measure the lungs ability.

She may start to suffer from COPD exacerbation. These will mean that her symptoms will get suddenly worse. Although from what you stated, she isn't suffering from all of the COPD symptoms, the loss of appetite or weight loss etc. However, she does have many of the symptoms: fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath etc.

On your final question. It is never to late to ask Mrs Smith to stop smoking. COPD and pulmonary hypertension can be relieved (even just a little) by asking the patient to stop smoking.

COPD is a progressive disease, and you should stress the importance that it will only get worse, but stopping smoking canin fact slow the disease down.

It's been a few years since I've dealt with a case study like this, or indeed dealt with these diseases, I hope I've done a fairly good job.

And good luck on your nursing program.

Charlotte Said:

Help! How do I create a case study?

We Answered:

Hopefully the 'how-to' PDF below should help. Basically you're presenting a description of what the situation was, what the problem was, what steps were taken, and concluding with what treatment and care would be suitable for recommendation in future cases. For health studies, you may need to anonymize your subject (ie. 'John Doe/Jane Doe') and remove all identifying data for privacy reasons.