Post on 06-Sep-2015
description
RVF: right ventricular failure
HTN: hypertension
Cor pulmonale: right sided heart failure
Atypical Presentations
Non-dyspneic pulmonary edema (so you need to listen for it)
May not subjectively experience the classic symptoms such as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or coughing
Typical onset is insidious with change in function, food or fluid intake, or confusion
Apathy
Anorexia
Dyspnea
Fatigue
Confusion
Self-neglect
Falling
Incontinence
Interventions for COPD
Bronchodilators
Anticholinergics
Duoneb, ipatropium
Corticosteroids
Pulmonary toilet
Getting plenty of fluids (to make the mucous thinner and easier to expel)
Irritant avoidance
No smoking, etc.
Oxygen therapy
PaO2