Question

A 64-year-old male came to the Emergency Department complaining of shortness of breath, fatigue, a weight gain of 7 pounds over 5 days, and ankle edema. The patient’s past medical history includes hypertension for the last 10 years. He has hyperlipidemia. He smoked a ½ pack a day for 20 years but quit smoking 2 years ago.
Vital signs on admission: T 98.8° F P 110 R 30 BP 88/58 SpO2 90%
Other clinical findings: Urine output 70 ml over 4 hours
Ascites
Inspiratory crackles
S3 gallop
Jugular vein distention
Cyanosis
Orthopnea
Cough with frothy sputum

1. This patient is demonstrating signs and symptoms associated with what possible cardiac disorder?
2. What signs and symptoms did this patient have that helped you identify this cardiac disorder?
3. What additional signs and symptoms might you see in this patient?
4. What are possible treatments for this patient’s condition?

Answer 1

1) Congestive heart failure.

2) Congestive heart failure cause swelling in your abdomen.edema in ankles sometimes, this condition can cause fluid to accumulate in your lungs (pulmonary edema), which can lead to shortness of breath. Jugular vein distension and cough with frothy sputum

3) fatigue, chest pain, bloating, inability to do exercise,loss of appitite dizziness

4)Treatments can include eating less salt, limiting fluid intake and taking prescription medication. In some cases a defibrillator or pacemaker may be implanted.

Medications are

  Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ...Angiotensin II receptor blockers. ...Beta blockers. ...Diuretics. ...digoxin