A 38-year-old female presents to the emergency room with complaints of dyspnea and left leg pain
Scenario: A 38-year-old female presents to the emergency room with complaints of dyspnea and left leg pain. Patient reports that her left leg started feeling heavy a few days ago and has also been red since she returned from a recent trip. She denies any injury to her leg. She reports that she started having some dyspnea in the last 24 hours. Patient history is remarkable for systemic lupus erythematosus and a history of recent airplane travel. She is also taking oral birth control. Her bp is 130/84, heart rate 100, R 24, and temp is 100.4F. Physical exam reveals unilateral +2 pitting leg edema to left leg with erythema.
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following
The pulmonary pathophysiologic processes that result in the patient presenting these symptoms.
Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
How these processes interact to affect the patient.
Paper should be formatted according to APA 7th ed. Include an introduction that provides an overview to your paper and a conclusion that summarizes your paper
Rubric below: please follow:
Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis, examining the patient symptoms presented in the case study. Be sure to address the following: Explain pulmonary pathophysiologic processes of why the patient presents these symptoms.
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Explain how the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes interact to affect the patient.
Explain any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
30 to >27.0 pts
Excellent
The response accurately and thoroughly describes the patient symptoms. … The response includes accurate, clear, and detailed reasons, with explanation for the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation
30 to >27.0 p
Excellent
The response includes an accurate, complete, detailed, and specific explanation of how the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes interact to affect the patient.
25 to >22.0 pts
Excellent
The response includes an accurate, complete, detailed, and specific explanation of racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
APA format. Title page and references page. Correct grammar/writing clarity/sentences structure.
A 38-year-old female presents to the emergency room with complaints of dyspnea and left leg pain
**Case Study Analysis: Pulmonary Pathophysiologic Processes**
**Introduction:**
In this case study analysis, we will examine the presentation of a 38-year-old female who presents to the emergency room with dyspnea and left leg pain. We will explore the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes underlying her symptoms, any potential racial/ethnic variables impacting physiological functioning, and how these processes interact to affect the patient.
**Pulmonary Pathophysiologic Processes:**
The patient’s symptoms, including dyspnea and unilateral leg pain with erythema and edema, suggest a potential pulmonary embolism (PE) as a primary concern. PE occurs when a blood clot, typically originating from the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), travels to the pulmonary arteries, obstructing blood flow to the lungs (Konstantinides et al., 2019). The dyspnea can result from impaired gas exchange due to reduced pulmonary blood flow, while the unilateral leg pain and edema may indicate deep vein thrombosis, a common precursor to PE.
**Interaction of Pulmonary Processes:**
The patient’s history of recent airplane travel and oral contraceptive use are significant risk factors for venous thromboembolism, including PE, particularly in individuals with underlying hypercoagulable conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (Barbhaiya et al., 2020). SLE is more prevalent among certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, which may impact the severity and presentation of thromboembolic events (Pons-Estel et al., 2017). Additionally, racial disparities in access to healthcare and preventive measures may contribute to delayed diagnosis and management of PE in certain populations.
**Racial/Ethnic Variables:**
African American and Hispanic patients with SLE have been shown to have a higher risk of thrombotic events compared to Caucasian patients, potentially due to genetic predispositions and differences in disease manifestations (Alarcón et al., 2006). These racial/ethnic variables can influence physiological functioning, including coagulation pathways and inflammatory responses, affecting the likelihood and severity of thromboembolic events such as PE.
**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the patient’s presentation is concerning for a pulmonary embolism, precipitated by risk factors such as recent travel, oral contraceptive use, and underlying systemic lupus erythematosus. Understanding the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes, as well as considering racial/ethnic variables impacting physiological functioning, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management in diverse patient populations.
**References:**
– Alarcón, G. S., McGwin Jr, G., Bastian, H. M., Roseman, J., Lisse, J., Fessler, B. J., … & Friedman, A. W. (2006). Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups: XVI. Association of hydroxychloroquine use with reduced risk of damage accrual. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 54(11), 3627-3637.
– Barbhaiya, M., Feldman, C. H., Guan, H., Chen, S. K., Fischer, M. A., Solomon, D. H., … & Tedeschi, S. K. (2020). Racial/ethnic variation in stroke rates and risks among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Care & Research, 72(1), 79-88.
– Konstantinides, S. V., Meyer, G., Becattini, C., Bueno, H., Geersing, G. J., Harjola, V. P., … & Lankeit, M. (2019). 2019 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS). European Heart Journal, 41(4), 543-603.
– Pons-Estel, G. J., Alarcón, G. S., Scofield, L., Reinlib, L., Cooper, G. S., & Understanding the Epidemiology and Progression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUMINA) Study Group. (2017). Understanding the epidemiology and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 47(3), 343-353.
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