Case Studies and Pre-sims

Question 1

Signs and symptoms of Heart Failure

Answer 1

Left side: restlessness, orthopnea, tachycardia, exertional dyspnea, cyanosis, cough, crackles, wheezes, blood tinged sputum, PND, increased PAWP

Right side: JVD, dependent edema, fatigue, ascites, anorexia, GI distress, hands and finger swelling, enlarged liver and spleen

Question 2

Compensatory mechanisms of the overloaded heart

Answer 2

Increased HR (diaphoresis and signs of Left sided HF), also turning on of the RAAS