Cari’s Story
Ap2630
ITT Technical Institute Warrensville Heights
January 13, 2016

A. An infection in Cari’s nasal passages and pharynx can spread to her sinus because all three are connected by ducts in the throat so; infection easily travels via mucus from one to the other. B. Cough reflex is a long-drawn and deep inhalation followed by a complete closure of the glottis, which causes a strong exhalation that pushes the glottis open and sends a blast of air through the upper respiratory passages. This process is clearing her lungs by forcing foreign bodies out of the larynx, trachea, and epiglottis. C. Macrophages would normally clear the alveolar space in Cari’s lungs from foreign particles that could cause infections. D. Excess mucus and fluid in the lungs would raise the resistance of Cari’s airways because the buildup would cause the diameter to become smaller. The fluid would cover some of alveoli and prevent them from functioning properly and there would be more friction from the buildup. E. Cari’s alveoli being filled with fluid due to pneumonia lung would cause her lung compliance to increase from trying to force gases into and out of the alveoli. F. Fluid in Cari’s lungs would decrease her total lung capacity by preventing the space that is occupied by fluid to be filled with air. G. Elevation in Cari’s respiratory rate would alter her minute ventilation by raising it. H. The clinical finding of 90% oxygen saturation level and a Po2 of 54 mmHg would show that the arteries have too much oxygen, since a normal Po2 of a resting person is 40 mmHg and exercises lower Po2 levels. A normal resting oxygen level should be about 94% with no added Oxygen. This indicates an issue with o2 exchange in her tissue. I. Cari’s chest hurting and her “panting like a dog” are symptoms due to lack of o2 and reduced o2 exchange in her tissue. J. The hemoglobin releases more o2, as the Pco2 rises. K. With an alkaline blood PH, you may experience respiratory alkalosis. Headaches, tingling, and an overall ill feeling can result from the drop in co2 levels in your blood. L. Administration of o2 will enhance Cari’s central drive by providing her body with the necessary oxygen that will be diffused into her tissue and provide her lungs with the capacity to expand properly. M. The anatomical structures in Cari’s respiratory system that were initially involved were her trachea and lungs. N. Cari was plagued with a chronic smoker’s cough because the cilia in her lungs were damaged. O. Tobacco smoke caused Cari to have impaired respiratory defense mechanisms by damaging her cilia preventing the removal of irritants from her air way. P. Pneumonia affected Cari’s lung function by decreasing her over all lung capacity. Her lungs are unable to expand like the used to.

References Jenkins, G.W., Tortora, G. J., (2013). The Respiratory System, Anatomy and Physiology (pp. 776-817). Hoboken: Johnson Whiley & Sins, Inc.