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1. How might pulmonary hygiene measures be revised for a frail older adult with a history of CHF and osteoporosis?

2. You are caring for a 71-year-old man who has a history of smoking 75 pack-years. He has COPD but continues to smoke, stating that it would be impossible to quit now and besides, "It’s too late." How would you assist this patient?

3. Think about you’re your own personal views regarding advanced life-support measures for the older adult population. What are the ethical implications of placing (or not placing) an 80-year-old person on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure? How would you assist patients and/ or family members faced with decisions of this nature?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Pulmonary hygiene for older adults with CHF and osteoporosis should be gentle and tailored to individual needs. Encouraging smoking cessation for COPD patients can involve providing resources and support for quitting. Ethical implications of advanced life support for the elderly should consider patient autonomy, quality of life, and advanced directives.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pulmonary Hygiene for Frail Older Adults

For a frail older adult with a history of CHF (congestive heart failure) and osteoporosis, pulmonary hygiene measures should be carefully adjusted to minimize stress and risk of fractures. Techniques like gentle percussion and positioning changes need to be employed with caution. In addition, ensuring adequate hydration to help thin secretions and using supplemental oxygen as necessary can be beneficial. It’s important to tailor interventions to the individual's tolerance and health status.

Assisting a Smoking Patient with COPD

To assist a 71-year-old man who continues to smoke despite having COPD, it would be crucial to provide patient-centered counseling, discuss the benefits of quitting smoking at any age, and offer resources for smoking cessation efforts, such as nicotine replacement therapy, medications, or support groups. A holistic approach, considering the patient's long smoking history and perceived difficulty in quitting, is necessary for achieving the best possible outcome.

Ethical Implications of Advanced Life Support

The decision to place an 80-year-old person on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure involves significant ethical considerations. It is essential to respect the patient's autonomy and previously expressed wishes, including advanced directives if available. Family discussions and possibly the aid of a healthcare proxy or ethics committee may help guide these decisions. Factors such as the patient's quality of life, prognosis, and personal values should be thoroughly considered.

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