Discussion forum 4

In order to enter this discussion forum, you will need to create a thread and submit your initial response post first. Please reach out if you have any questions.

All components of the Discussion Question are required to be answered as a comprehensive discussion in your initial post. Do not respond to each question/component individually.

When responding to peers: One of your peer posts is required to be to a student who chose a different topic than the one you discussed in your initial post. 

Choose one of the following two Topic options and answer all questions related to it. Please review the Discussion Rubric for detailed requirements of your posts. When you click Create Thread, change the subject line to read either Topic 1 Shock or Topic 2 COPD.  All components of the Discussion Question are required to be answered as a comprehensive discussion in your initial post. Do not respond to each question/component individually.

Topic 1: Shock Answer both Part 1 and 2

Part 1. Describe circulatory shock and distributive shock. Include the pathophysiology, compensatory physiologic responses, cellular level responses, and the compensatory mechanisms. Include severe shock in your discussion of circulatory shock.

Part 2. Choose one of the following types of shock and explain the pathophysiology, compensatory mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatments (in order of priority):

Cardiogenic Shock

Hypovolemic Shock

Anaphylactic Shock (also include etiology and prevention)

Obstructive Shock

Neurogenic Shock

Septic Shock (including sepsis and severe sepsis)

Many body systems are destroyed by shock. These complications of shock are serious and often fatal. 

Explain the five major complications of shock (Do not just list them)

• Topic 2: COPD Answer both Part 1 and 2

Part 1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic and recurrent obstruction of airflow in the pulmonary airways. 

• Explain the etiology, pathogenesis, and the most common cause of COPD and other predisposing factors

Part 2. We often use the term COPD as a blanket term to describe various respiratory conditions when in fact, the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses two specific types of obstructive airway disease: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD will often have overlapping features of both disorders. 

• Discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Explain their distinguishing features

• Discuss the pathophysiology of why patients with COPD can be described as a “pink puffer” or a “blue bloater”

Discuss the oxygen therapy prescribed for COPD patients with significant hypoxemia (arterial PO2 < 55 mm Hg). Provide the pathophysiology.

• What PO2 level should be maintained? Why?

In these patients with COPD what is the overall goal of oxygen therapy in terms of maintaining their hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels? Why?