Signs and Symptom Continued:

Due to a previous CVA this patient was totally dependent; the only time any symptoms
were evident was during times we moved her. During those times she showed signs of SOB
that was quickly resolved after movement stopped. Other symptoms could be as follows.

Diagnostic Testing Continued:

There were no diagnostic test result found in this patients chart, but with this condition I
would expect to find:

Arterial Blood Gases:

Arterial blood gases (ABGs) measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood
and determine your body's pH and sodium bicarbonate levels. ABGs are important in
forming a diagnosis of COPD as well as in adjusting oxygen therapy.

Chest x-Ray:

A chest x-ray will show enlargement of the pulmonary artery, right atrium, and ventricle.

CT Scan:

A CT scan is more definitive than the chest x-ray, showing more fine details. Sometimes
before a CT a material called contrast will be injected into a vein, allowing the doctor to see
abnormalities in your lungs more clearly.

Pulmonary Function Test:

PFT tests are used to evaluate lung function and determine the extent of the damage within
the lungs. The most common PFT is spirometry. The patient takes a deep breath and
exhales and completely. The results are then recorded and analyzed by a spirometer
machine, and then interpreted by a doctor.