An 85-year-old woman is brought to the Emergency Department (ED) by her son. The son tells the nurse that his mother is short or breath, even when she is lying down. She complains of constant fatigue and her legs swell. What type of cardiomyopathy would the nurse suspect the client has?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as shortness of breath even when lying down (orthopnea), constant fatigue, and leg swelling (edema), are indicative of heart failure, which is commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition leads to the heart's diminished ability to pump blood effectively, often resulting in these symptoms.

An 85-Year-Old Woman Is Brought to the Emergency Department (ED)