Mr. Johnson’s case is an example of several physiological problems that direct route to fierce pathologies. The first is weight, which at the age of 70 poses severe risks in cardiovascular complications and pressure on internal organs, including the lungs. Moreover, smoking, which can be the source of a reported cough, also worsens the situation. Thus, defining short-term goals and possible outcomes are critical steps before starting treatment.
First, two key goals need to be identified for Mr. Johnson to improve his physical condition. The first is the excess weight that he needs to get rid of. Thus, losing weight over the next couple of months will be a positive trend in the patient’s treatment. The second goal should be to stop smoking altogether. Consequently, targets that can make a positive shift in the state of the patient’s health have been identified.
However, it is also necessary to consider possible positive and negative outcomes. The latter may include several respiratory or cardiac illnesses developed due to bad habits, which would require medication and therapeutic intervention. In the case of a positive outcome, a course of vitamin supplements and medication to strengthen the vascular system are recommended to avoid future problems.
Answers: Student 1
The provided short-term goals are efficient and would help the patient remove his state’s symptoms. Nevertheless, comprehensively adhering to a balanced diet and taking vitamins will relieve the pressure on the lungs and improve circulation, including cardiac circulation. Specifically, making sure to avoid fast-food and excessive spices in the food and aim for greens would be the basis for constructing healthy eating habits. As a result, combined with the medications and improved gas exchange, such a decision would significantly increase the overall chances of avoiding the need for a complex treatment which could be complicated for Mr. Johnson.
A healthy diet consists of nutrient-dense meals from all major food categories, such as lean meats, whole grains, healthy fats, and vegetables and fruits of all hues. A healthy diet also requires substituting trans fats, salt content, and sugars with more nutritious alternatives. A healthy diet provides several health advantages, including developing strong bones, protecting the heart, preventing illness, and enhancing mood.
Answers: Student 2
The harms of cigarettes are well established – the increased likelihood of lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke are serious problems, especially at an advanced age. Furthermore, the proposed deep breathing methods may be troublesome for the patient as he is a smoker. However, giving up smoking may not be an easy process. In this case, nicotine patches are recommended when Mr. Johnson cannot cure the addiction. Otherwise, a narcologist may need to participate in the treatment and additional medications to be prescripted.
A range of continuing difficulties and long-term consequences on the patient’s physiological systems may result from smoking. Even though smoking may raise a person’s risk of several health issues over the years, some of its consequences are instant. The airways and tiny air sacs of the lungs are harmed by smoking. This damage begins shortly after an individual begins smoking, and lung capacity continues to deteriorate as long as the individual continues to smoke. However, it may be a sufficient period for the issue to manifest enough for lung illness to be detected. Consequently, focusing solely on the symptoms even regarding the short-term goals would increase the probability of a serious pathology developing soon.