Thoughtful Thursday: Elaine Emits Exhaustion (Case 3)

 

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Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Click for Test Case Tuesday:  Elaine Emits Exhaustion

Diagnostic Testing Results Reminder:

 

Radiographs (X-Rays):

Enlarged heart noted, enlarged vessels leading into the right atrium

 

Echocardiogram:

All four heart chambers dilated with the right atrium being the most dilated.  No abnormalities of the valves, decreased cardiac output

 

Electrocardiogram:

Atrial arrhythmia noted 
 

🧪

Diagnosis:

✨DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY✨

 

Pathophysiological Point:

Elaine is suffering from a disease where her body's heart is stretching and weakening.  As the heart stretches and weakens, her heart is having a harder time pumping blood throughout her body.

 

 Questions:

Level 1 Questions:

1.  Explain what the heart does and why it is important.
   
   
2.  Why do you think Elaine's echocardiogram showed that all four (4) of her heart chambers are dilated compared to normal?  (HINT:  Think about Elaine's diagnosis)
   
   
3.  Challenge question, why do you think Elaine collapsed in her habitat?  (HINT:  Think about the heart's job and how Elaine's heart is a diseased heart that is not working properly)
   

 

Level 2 Questions:

1. Explain why Elaine has an atrial arrhythmia.  (HINT:  Heart conduction system)
   
   
2. How could Elaine’s viral infection from 10 years ago lead to heart disease (HINT:  How might a viral infection in the blood affect the heart?)
   
   
3. Challenge question, explain pathophysiologically why Elaine has jugular vein distention, edema in the neck, and ascites on physical exam.  (HINT:  Think about the heart's anatomy and how Elaine's heart chambers are NOT able to pump blood effectively)
   

    
   

Level 3 Questions:

1.  Describe the treatment plan you would recommend for Elaine and why you are recommending each part of your treatment plan.  Please answer this question as if you are speaking to a professional colleague.
   
   
2.  Describe your recommended treatment plan and why you are recommending each part of your treatment plan.  Please answer this question as if you are explaining it to a client/patient without a scientific background.
   
   
3.  Explain the pathophysiology of at least TWO (2) different etiologies of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
   

  

Day 2 Conclusion

Before Conclusion Caturday think about your...

❓Answers to the above questions

📚 Review Material Related to Elaine's Case

 

Conclusion Caturday:  Elaine Emits Exhaustion (link will go live Saturday, 11/04/2023)