Question

Mr. M. is admitted to the local hospital with the following vital signs T 101.8 F, P120 RR30, B/P 90/50, Pulse Oximetry 87%. Additionally, the client is complaining of chills, night sweats, anorexia, and fatigue. He has been feeling very tired for the past week with a harsh cough and a productive cough with thick green sputum noted. His lungs sounds are diminished throughout all lung fields and rales or crackles noted in left lower lobe. He also complains of short of breath with minimal exertion. His lab values are as follows: Sodium 128, K 5.4, BUN 31, Creatinine 3.0.

Answer 1

Answer: From the signs and symptoms listed,Mr M has Tuberculosis.

There is a lowering of blood sodium level with an elevation of potassium, creatinine and blood urea Nitrogen level.

Explanation: Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis which affects the tissues of the respiratory system especially the lungs.

Tuberculosis can be in a latent form and active form.In latent tuberculosis,the individual habours the causative organism but with no obvious signs and symptoms and can only shows signs and symptoms following the weakening of the immune system. while in active Tuberculosis,the individual habouring the mycobacterium tuberculosis presents with obvious signs and symptoms of the disease and is sick from it.

Symptoms ranges from weightlessness,drenching night sweats, persistent cough,fever,chills and generalized body weakness.

Tuberculosis significantly lowers blood sodium level from the normal range of (135 - 145mEq/L), increases potassium level from the normal range of (3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L), increases blood creatinine level from the normal range of (0.6 - 1.2mg/dL) and increases Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) from the normal range of( 7 - 20mg/dl).

Treatment is by the administration of antibiotics like Isoniazid and ethambutol to combat and eliminate the mycobacterium tuberculosis.