Upon ascultating the chest of a 75-year-old patient who recently experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) the nurse hears an S₃ and lung crackles. Because of these findings, the nurse would assess for which other condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of S₃ (S3 and S4 heart sounds) along with lung crackles in a patient who recently had an MI suggests the development of heart failure. Heart failure can occur as a result of an MI due to damage to the heart muscle, and the additional sounds indicate that the heart is having difficulty pumping blood effectively. Renal and liver failure may cause additional symptoms, but they are not specifically related to the cardiac and pulmonary findings in this patient. Extension of the MI would also not be the primary concern at this point, as the patient has already had an MI and is likely being treated for it.

Upon Ascultating the Chest of a 75-Year-Old Patient Who Recently