Rebecca Rhods
GE 259: Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 5 Case study 1: Cari’s Story
Dr. Lok
July 21, 2015

A.) How could an infection in Cari’s nasal passages and pharynx spread into her sinuses?
The infection could spread into her sinuses since the sinuses are drainage area for the nasal passages. B.) What is the cough reflex? Describe the process that Cari’s respiratory system is using to clear her lungs by coughing.
A cough reflex clears sputum and irritants that are in the pharynx and nasal passages. The process that Cari’s respiratory system is using to clear her lungs is there is cilia in her trachea that is moving the mucus up from her lungs. When the mucus becomes abundant this triggers the cough reflex. C.) Which structures found in the terminal bronchioles and particulate matter?
In the terminal bronchioles and alveoli there are macrophages, these would normally protect Cari’s lungs from infectious bacteria and particulate matter. D.) How would the resistance of Cari’s airways be affected by excess mucus and fluid in her lung?
Cari’s airway would be affected by excess mucus and fluid buildup because the build up would cause resistance in her lungs due to the small diameter of space that is available. This buildup of fluid would cause some of the alveoli to be under water where they are not able to function properly. There will also be more friction due to the buildup of fluid. E.) How would Cari’s lung compliance (the effort required to expand the lungs) be altered as her alveoli fill with fluid due to pneumonia?
Cari’s lung compliance would increase from trying to push gases into and out of the alveoli. The fluid buildup causes pneumonia. F.) How would fluid in Cari’s lungs affect her total capacity?
Cari’s lung capacity would decrease due to the fluid in her lungs. This fluid does not allow for air to fill the lungs because the fluid is taking up that space. G.) How does the elevation of Cari’s respiratory rate alter her minute ventilation?
The elevation in her respiratory rate would alter her minute ventilation by increasing it. Minute ventilation is found by multiplying respiratory rate by total volume. H.) Normal blood oxygen saturation levels are greater than 94%; Cari’s blood oxygen saturation level was 90% at the time of her exam and an initial arterial blood gas analysis done when she was admitted to the hospital revealed her arterial Po2 was 54mmHG. How do these clinical findings relate to the internal respiration in Cari’s body?
The clinical finding of 90% oxygen saturation level and a Po2 of 54mmHG would indicate that her arteries are receiving too much oxygen, since Po2 in a resting person is 40mmHG and with exercise this number decreases. A resting oxygen level should be 94% with no added O2. I.) Which of the symptoms Cari has described are due to lack of oxygen and reduced oxygen exchange at her tissues?
Cari’s symptoms of “Panting like a dog” is her body trying to obtain more oxygen, this reduces oxygen exchange at tissues. J.) As Cari Pco2 rose, how was the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin affected?
The oxygen caring capacity of hemoglobin with rising Pco2 will decrease since Co2 will take O2’s seat. K.) How would you have expected Cari’s decreased Pco2 and alkaline blood PH to have affected her breathing?
With a decrease in Pco2 and PH then her breathing will also decrease. L.) How would administration of oxygen enhance Cari’s central drive to breathe?
Having her on oxygen which will help her get the necessary amount of oxygen to her tissues. Her lungs will be able to expand properly. M.) Which anatomical structures in Cari’s respiratory system were initially involved?
Nasal, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Right and Left pulmonary bronchus, Lungs. N.) Why was Cari plagued with a chronic smokers cough?
Because the cilia in her throat were waking up no longer paralyzed. It’s her bodies way of getting the stuff out of her lungs. O.) Which damaging effects of tobacco smoke led to Cari’s impaired respiratory defense mechanisms?
Epithelia damages and the bodies repair processes. P.) How did the pneumonia affect Cari’s lung function?
The pneumonia is an infection which caused fluid to build up in her lungs causing her to have difficulty breathing. The fluid in her lungs diminished her ability to fill her lungs with air because they were full of fluid.