Emphysema Case Study

Introduction

Physiotherapists have a responsibility to accurately assess a patient’s condition in order to develop a proper intervention framework. Principally, a patient needs to resume normal functionality that includes the resumption of daily activities. Nonetheless, the resumption of normal daily activities relies on an accurate assessment and the scope of the body function to determine the nature of intervention needed. In some cases, only a small home-based intervention is necessary to eliminate or suppress flare-ups of infections or attacks. In other instances, severe management approaches are necessary. The case of John, a 67-year-old emphysema patient is one that requires a careful and comprehensive assessment to determine the extent

A video recording shows that the patient cannot engage in a lengthy conversation before the lungs flare-up, thereby causing breathing problems. In particular, the patient experiences an acute shortage of breath (SOB) (Holland 2014). A historical investigation of the present complaint alludes to a condition that has continued for the last six years. The present medical history shows that the patient has Type 2 IDDM and mild right knee osteoarthritis, besides the emphysema. Initially, the patient used to smoke, but has since stopped the habit. Actually, the last time the patient smoked was some 22 years ago, which shows a case of improved lifestyle habits. From a social perspective, John lives alone, which makes it harder to seek additional information from friends and family members. However, the patient makes an effort to record his attacks, thereby providing critical medical information for a much better intervention. Presently, the patient’s condition is deteriorating following a recent breathlessness attack in addition to a productive cough that alludes to a bacterial infection that requires an antibiotic treatment. The long history of SOB has seen the patient use a range of drugs that include prednisolone nebulizer, salmeterol, O2 prn, paracetamol prn, and insulin. Therefore, the physiotherapist needs to determine the effectiveness of these medicines and possibly change the combination to yield better