Discussion; Pharmacology
Discussion; Pharmacology
A patient’s health needs can be defined as the potential to benefit, and the aim of understanding them is to lounge an intervention to better the patient’s health. Pneumonia is one of the “awful” diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or a virus. The patient’s past medical history indicates that he has other health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic disease (Ferreira-Coimbra, Sarda & Rello,2020). Pneumonia can have a severe effect on his health. Furthermore, he is aged, and his immune system is relatively “weak.”
After learning about his past medical history, performing a physical examination, and using a stethoscope to listen to his lungs for unusual “bubbling or crackling sounds” that could indicate pneumonia should be the first step. Then several tests should be conducted to ascertain the cause for better treatment. The first test to carry out is a blood test. The blood samples should be used to confirm infections and pinpoint the type of bacteria inflicting them. Additionally, a chest X-ray should be performed; this aids in the diagnosis of pneumonia and the position and severity of the infection. It cannot reveal which type of microbe is triggering pneumonia.
More so, oximetry through pulse is also essential. This
determines the patient’s blood oxygen content. The lungs may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to the circulation if he has pneumonia. In addition, I would perform a Cough test. After a vigorous cough, a sputum specimen is collected and examined to identify the infection’s root cause (Carr, Spencer, Dixon & Chambers, 2020). Finally, considering the patient’s age, I recommend a CT scan and pleural fluid culture test. A lung image and the liquid sample acquired from the rib will be essential for his treatment.
After performing a lab test on the patient, the next phase is medication; the type of medication will be given considering his immune system, allergic and other medical problems. To avoid a lot of medicines that he may not be able to follow precisely. The first medication I would recommend is the use of antibiotics. According to Wongsurakiat & Chitwarakorn (2019), for the patient with (CAP) the use of antibiotics varies with the level of illness. For instance, if the patient’s condition is not severe, he may be administered antibiotics such as; ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and ceftaroline daily. Also, considering his allergic condition, he is capable of receiving a third or fourth cephalosporin. In addition, ACE inhibitors and ARBs should also be administered to lower the level of diabetes and hypertension in the patient, which might also trigger or worsen the pneumonia condition. This medication should be issued based on the hospital’s lab test outcomes.
A patient with such a health condition should carry out the following practices (health education) to help him manage his health needs. One stay hydrated –he should drink a lot of drinks such as water which would help loosen mucus in the lungs. Two, get rest; this is crucial to avoid worsening pneumonia. Also, he should follow medication as prescribed for them to function effectively. Finally, daily exercise will be essential for proper blood flow, which is necessary for medication to work as intended.
References
Ferreira-Coimbra, J., Sarda, C., & Rello, J. (2020). The burden of community-acquired pneumonia and unmet clinical needs. Advances in therapy, 37(4), 1302-1318.
Wongsurakiat, P., & Chitwarakorn, N. (2019). Severe community-acquired pneumonia in general medical wards: outcomes and impact of initial antibiotic selection. BMC pulmonary medicine, 19(1), 1-10.
Carr, A. C., Spencer, E., Dixon, L., & Chambers, S. T. (2020). Patients with community-acquired pneumonia exhibit depleted vitamin C status and elevated oxidative stress. Nutrients, 12(5), 1318.