Care Plans for COPD and BPH

Differential Diagnoses

Smoking is linked to chronic and acute prostatic inflammation (Cai et al., 2019). According to Cai et al. (2019), a cigarette contains nicotine which causes an increase in the sympathetic nervous system activity and the levels of the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate; thereby, causing Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Consequently, Wheaton et al. (2019) explain that smoking is associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) flare-ups and is its leading cause throughout the US. It damages the airways, air sacs, and the lungs linings, injuring the lungs; thereby, causing trouble moving air in and out.  Therefore, for the 68-year-old, the following would be the definitive differential diagnosis.

a.        Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): It would be recommended since it is a common condition among older males in the US and leads to uncomfortable urinary symptoms such as urgent or frequent urination and an increase in the frequency of urination at night (Cai et al., 2019).