Assignment Task:
Glenda Jones A 68 year old female presents to the ER with fever of unknown origin. Patient is apparently oriented, but does not arouse easily. Vital Signs: HR 110 BP 106/60 SpO2 89% on room air RR 24 Labs: RBC 4.2 Hb 10 g/dL HCT 32% WBC 16 Platelet count 175 ABG pH 7.48 / PaCO2 30 / PaO2 65 / HCO3- 20 Physical Findings: Pt is breathing shallow with left hemithorax expanding more than the right. The skin is warm and dry. She appears to be slightly cachectic. She has slightly increased vocal fremitus over the right middle lobe and dull percussion note over the right middle lobe. Breath sounds are decreased throughout both lung fields with coarse crackles over the right middle lobe. She is placed on 4L NC where her SpO2 increases to 96% In your first post, answer the three questions below:
1. Apparent Cardiopulmonary Problem: Your answer must include which clues led you to this decision.
2. Using the A-a Difference, what do you suspect is the cause of her hypoxemia? Looking for Assignment Help?
3. What additional information would be useful?