Pneumonia Case Study - Joanne Walker - Data Collection | Unfolding Case Study Pneumonia-COPD Case Study (with answers)

Pneumonia-COPD 1. Data Collection History of Present Problem: Joanne Walker is an 84-year-old female who has had a productive cough of green phlegm 4 days that continues to persist. She was started 3 days ago on prednisone 60 mg PO daily and azithromycin (Zithromax) 250 mg PO X 5 days by her clinic physician. Though she has had intermittent chills, she first noticed a fever last night of 102.0º F. She has had more difficulty breathing during the night and has been using her albuterol inhaler every 1-2 hours with no improvement. Therefore, she called 9-1-1 and arrives at the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services (EMS) where you are the nurse who will be responsible for her care. Joanne has a history of COPD and has a history of smoking 1 PPD x 40 years. She quit 10 years ago. She also has a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and Cor Pulmonale secondary to her COPD which is being treated with medications. Personal/Social History: Joanne was widowed 6 months ago after 64 years of marriage and resides in assisted living. She is a retired elementary school teacher. She called her pastor and he has now arrived and came back with the patient. The nurse walked in the room when the pastor asked Joanne if she would like to pray. The patient said, “Yes, this may be the beginning of the end for me.