A 66-year-old female presents with fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, cough, and swelling of the ankles. Current medications include lipid-lowering medication for hyperlipidemia and beta blocker for hypertension. On physical examination, vital signs are: temperature 98°F, respirations18 breaths/min, pulse 56 beats/min, and blood pressure 100/60. Heart demonstrates S₃ gallop and S₄. Lungs reveal bilateral basilar crackles. Abdomen is distended with shifting dullness and hepatomegaly. Extremities show bilateral ankle edema. No neurological deficits. These signs and symptoms are characteristic of:

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The patient's symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, cough, swelling of the ankles, presence of a gallop rhythm on heart examination, bilateral basilar crackles in the lungs, abdominal distension with shifting dullness, hepatomegaly, and bilateral ankle edema are characteristic of congestive heart failure (CHF). These findings suggest fluid overload and impaired cardiac function, which are hallmarks of CHF.

A 66-Year-Old Female Presents with Fatigue, Shortness of Breath with Exertion