Explain what Mucor is and how a patient is likely to become infected with Mucor.

Carolina Perez

Explain what Mucor is and how a patient is likely to become infected with Mucor.

Mucormycosis or zygomycosis is a rare and serious fungal infection. It is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. Patients is likely to be infected by coming in contact with fungal spores found in the environment. People at risk are patients with a weak immune system. They may become infected by simply inhaling the spores or through any type of skin trauma.

Describe the pathophysiologic progression of the infection into pneumonia and at least two medical/nursing interventions that would be helpful in treating the patient.

Pulmonary mucormycosis happends when spores may reach all the way to the alveolar spaces, most stay in the nasal turbinates causing sinusitis. Two nursing interventions would be watching closely for respiratory problems, monitoring vital signs specially pulse oximetry levels, chest pains and fever. Lastly, giving medications as prescribed by physician.

Examine the laboratory blood test results and arterial blood gases provided in “Discussion Question Resource: Laboratory Blood Test Results.” What laboratory values are considered abnormal? Explain each abnormality and discuss the probable causes from a pathophysiologic perspective.

WBC’s are abnormally high due to infection; Lymph are abnormally low due to infection; HCO and PH suggests metabolic alkalosis. Decreased Pa02/PC02 suggests alkalotic and compensated. High glucose levels indicate that the body is trying to compensate due to the infection.

What medications and medical treatments are likely to be prescribed by the attending physician on this case? List at least three medications and three treatments. Provide rationale for each of the medications and treatments you suggest.

Mucor must be treated with antifungal medications. Amphotericin B,Posaconazole, Isavuconazole. Ibuprofen and Tylenol might be used for fever/pain. O2 per doctor’s orders might be needed as well.

Treatments: If needed, mucromycisis might require surgery to remove infected tissue. Educating the patient on how to prevent this infection from occurring again like wearing appropriate clothing when working outside with soil.