Case history
Case history #1
A 60-year-old man develops shortness of breath while he is in hospital recovering from a recent myocardial infarction. He is unable to lie flat without significant discomfort, has marked laboured breathing, and has a respiratory rate of 36 breaths per minute. Auscultation of the chest reveals diffuse rales. During examination, breathing becomes more rapid and shallow and the patient slowly loses consciousness.
Case history #2
A 67-year-old man with known COPD presents with fever and cough. He complains of worsening shortness of breath and the inability to get enough oxygen. His mental status waxes and wanes and he is cyanotic around the lips and cheeks. During examination, ventilatory efforts rapidly deteriorate.
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