Discussion Post: Nursing
A 72-year-old male presents to the clinic with 4 weeks of productive cough. He has a 10-year history of diagnosed COPD. He has a 45-year history of two packs a day cigarette smoking. He states he quit smoking due to financial needs about 6 years ago. He complains of pain in his chest from coughing, saying it is sore. He has noticed some dark-colored blood on his tissue.
Vital Signs: BP 137/90; HR 82; RR 22; BMI 23.
Chief Complaint: Persistent cough won't go away with my normal cough medicine. Noticed blood on tissue from coughing.
Discuss the following:
• What additional subjective information will you be asking of the patient?
• What additional objective findings would you be examining the patient for?
• What are the differential diagnoses that you are considering?
• What radiological examinations or additional diagnostic studies would you order?
• What treatment and specific information about the prescription will you give this patient?
• What are the potential complications from the treatment ordered?
• What additional laboratory tests might you consider ordering?
• Will you be looking for a consult?
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.