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in your lessons for this week, the cardiovascular system is covered. As you have learned, smoking has definite effects on the cardiovascular system. Consider the scenario below and then answer the questions. A patient, who has a long-standing history of smoking, is on the recipient list for new lung. Due to complications in his/her condition, a request is made for this patient to be moved to the "top of the list" and receive the first available lung. Given this patient's history, what do you think should be the appropriate action? Justify ypur answer. If not, what action would you take?

Answer :

mariagsa
Usually they don't put patient's on the list for transplants unless they have quit the habit.  So the patient must have to quit smoking.
You would have to consider the patient's age, and overall health.  If the health problem is only the lungs than they should be moved to top of list.
Also need to consider, do they have a good support system at home.  How will this "new" lung be cared for during recovery.  If the patient's family is unable to care for them until they are well may be a detraction.  There is no easy answer to this.  You would need to know all about the patients living conditions, overall health condition.  These decisions are not based on one doctor's opinion and there are many other providers involved.

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