DISCUSSION POST ON CHEST X-RAY AND TREATMENT
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Pathophysiologic Progression of Mucor Infections to Pneumonia and Nursing Interventions in Treatment Mucor infections in the pulmonary system result from inhalation of fungal spores or conidia resulting in mucormycosis (Mohammed et al., 2012). In susceptible persons, the introduction of spores or conidia to the pulmonary system causes symptoms such as chest pains and coughs. Pneumonia-like symptoms are produced as mucus production is increased as well as inflammatory responses by the body’s immunity are initiated. The symptoms worsen with further angio-invasion which could result in parenchymal tissue necrosis and hemoptysis. Early nursing interventions are necessary to prevent the progression of pulmonary mucormycosis. With early diagnosis and treatment, damage on pulmonary tissues is avoided hence improving patient outcomes. The proper nursing interventions in case of pneumonia infections in ensuring the airway are open, proper breathing and oxygenation. This can be assessed using arterial blood gas levels which determines whether gaseous exchange through the lungs is effective (Mohammed et al., 2012). Abnormal Laboratory and Blood Gasses Results and their Probable Pathophysiologic Causes From the presented lab values, pH and HCO3 levels are slightly elevated. This indicates hypoventilation due to compromised lung function (Lin, Moua, & Limper, 2017). Pulmonary mucormycosis affects gaseous exchange in the lungs which consequently reduce oxygen levels in the blood (Lin et al., 2017). This can also result in metabolic alkalosis. The lymphocytes levels are below their normal range indicating that the patient is possibly immunocompromised. Also, his fasting blood glucose levels are elevated showing that the patient possibly has diabetes.
