Problem: You are the nurse looking after Dulcie Krabbity who lives independently with her 2 cats. Dulcie is 72 years old and has been admitted to hospital with lobar pneumonia. Today she presents with purulent sputum, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and notable fine crackles over her left lung.
History: smoker, underweight, hypercholesterolaemia, arthritis, COPD.
Vital observations: HR 125bpm, BP 119/70, RR 28, SpO2 94% [RA], Temp 38.6o C
A) Choose two (2) of Dulcie's signs/symptoms and explain how these are linked to her diagnosed condition and why they occur. Your explanation should demonstrate your understanding of the pathophysiology of pneumonia.
B) Consider Dulcie's age and one other element of her history, and explain how these two elements may affect her recovery.