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70 yo female, viral infection in the lungs, possible pneumonia (factors…
70 yo female, viral infection in the lungs, possible pneumonia
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RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli is high and in the blood of the pulmonary capillaries it's low. this results in oxygen diffusing across the respiratory membrane from the alveoli into the blood.
GAS LAWS
Henry's Law
states that at a given temperature, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is dependent upon the partial pressure of the gas in the air and the solubility coefficient of the gas in the liquid.
Dalton's Law
states that the total pressure in a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of all of the individual partial pressures.
PARTIAL PRESSURE
partial pressure is the pressure exerted by each gas within a mixture of gasses and is measured in mm Hg.
the fall in atmospheric pressure at higher altitude decreases partial pressure of inspired oxygen and hence the driving pressure for gas exchange in the lungs.
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the presence of a viral infection left the patient more susceptible to other illnesses and is most likely how she was able to develop pneumonia
when she moved to Denver, she changed altitudes as well which is an adjustment for anyone but the rapid change in altitude combined with her age left her lungs more susceptible to developing a viral infection
factors
Location- the higher altitude means that there is less oxygen in the air and since she didn't gradually adjust, her breathing became faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
Viral Infection- can cause coughing, or trouble breathing and can develop into pneumonia.
Age- everything changes as you age, and the respiratory system is no exception. with age your alveoli can become baggy and loose their shape, which can affect arterial oxygen without impairing the carbon dioxide elimination.
the combination of all three factors are most likely what led her to develop pneumonia and if left untreated can lead to respiratory failure or death.
with pneumonia, it can be very dangerous due to the fact that the bacteria that caused the pneumonia can spread through the cardiovascular system, which can lead to more complications in the body, or a weakened immune system. a weak immune system leaves your body more susceptible to contracting something else.