Week 6 case study

I’m working on a anatomy discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Scenario/Summary

Hector loved visiting and playing with his grandson, David. Today was David’s birthday and the whole family was at the park to celebrate. They had tons of food and lots of games to enjoy. At one point, they had a three-legged race and David asked his grandfather, Hector, to be his partner. They gave it everything they had and crossed the finish line ahead of everyone else for the win.

Afterward, Hector started wheezing and had trouble catching his breath. He also had a tightness around his chest. Fearing that Hector may be having heart troubles, the family rushed him to the local emergency room. Hector reported to the doctor that he had been having a chronic cough that he couldn’t get rid of and had to clear his throat of mucus every morning.

Respiratory function tests indicated that Hector had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as a result of chronic bronchitis. The ER physician sent him home with some medication and advised hector to assume the tripod position to aid in his breathing when he was experiencing shortness of breath.

Deliverables

Answer the following questions:

How is ventilation different from respiration?

Ventilation is dependent upon a pressure gradient. Describe how this pressure gradient works.

What muscles are involved in ventilation?

What is COPD and how does it affect ventilation?

How does the tripod position help breathing in COPD patients?