Question

A 73-year-old patient was admitted with severe respiratory distress secondary to pneumonia. She has a long history of smoking, which she recently stopped. Upon arrival she was placed on continuous pulse oximetry, and an endotracheal tube was inserted for mechanical ventilation. She is heavily sedated. This patient's risk factors for respiratory problems include history of smoking, her illness, and her age.

A. True
B. False

Answer 1

The statement is true; a history of smoking, pneumonia, and advanced age are all risk factors that can contribute to respiratory problems such as COPD and increased susceptibility to infections leading to severe respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that a 73-year-old patient's risk factors for respiratory problems include a history of smoking, her illness (pneumonia), and her age is true. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. The detrimental health effects of smoking on the respiratory system include damage to the mucociliary escalator, reduced elasticity and breakdown of alveoli, and impairing lung's immune defenses which can increase susceptibility to infections.

The illness, pneumonia in this case, further contributes to respiratory distress by causing inflammation in the alveoli and filling them with fluid, leading to inhibited gas exchange. Lastly, advanced age is associated with a natural decline in respiratory function and a weaker immune response, heightening the risk of severe respiratory problems when combined with other factors like a history of smoking and existing pulmonary conditions.