Re: Case Study_Need Help Please

[amynahmed]

MR.T enters the ER complaining of substernal chest pain, dull in nature. Immediate EKG shows some wave changes, but not specific for a typical myocardial infraction. patient is admitted into ICU, pending results of cardiac enzyme testing.

After one day in ICU, chest pain intensifies, becoming worse with breathing. Heart auscultation reveals a mild rustling or scratching sound near the xiphoid process. he also has a fever now.

After 3 days in ICU, pain is still a problem. Enzyme results prove to be negative- no MI. Heart sounds are now muffled(present but difficult to hear). Patient is in tachycardia due to decreased stroke volume. Jugular vein distension indicates blood is pooling before entering the heart- heart is neither filling or beating well. Blood pressure is falling.

1) Describe relevant anatomy as it may relate to the problem.

2) Diagnosis- (hint:there are 2 problems here- one has led to the other). 3) Make sure and describe why symptoms are occuring

4) Discuss why the patient is now in cardiac distress

5) Dertermine how to treat this life-threatening condition

Thank you in advance

Amy

[LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP]

Wow! I know what he has! But, you need to be able to do your own homework. It's not going to do you any good if I answer your questions for you. Try and think of what disease processes can cause the symptoms listed and then review your course material.