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Kap 3 N
Kap 3 N
Kap 3 N
This patient was maintained with oxygen at home via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute (Lpm)
before her exacerbation. Apparently when the patient was home experiencing shortness of
breath, her roommate had increased her oxygen to 4 Lpm hoping it would help. This patient is a
significant CO2 retainer, so this only exacerbated the problem. Due to the fact that she is a
marked CO2 retainer, treatment with the mechanical ventilator needs to be conducted carefully
in order to not have her blow off too much CO2 to the point where her body cannot balance.
The ideal treatment goal for her pH is 7.38, and no greater than 7.4. The ultimate goal is to
wean her off of the ventilator and restore her respiratory function to baseline. Considering she is
on a ventilator, her nutrition status needs to be monitored and possibly be started on parenteral
nutrition. Infection prevention is also a major focus of care considering she has an artificial
airway.
References
Huether, S., & McCance, K. (2012). Understanding pathophysiology (5th Ed.).
St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders
Ignatavicuis, D. D., & Workman, M. L. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient
centered collaborative care (7th Ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders