Question: Maria, a 52-year-old woman, presents to your office, complaining of 3 days of increasing shortness of breath. Her dyspnea is worse with exercise and relieved somewhat by rest. She has had to prop herself up in bed to avoid feeling like she's "drowning." She also complains of swelling in both ankles. She has also developed a cough productive of pinkish-colored sputum. She denies alcohol use and gave up smoking after her heart attack last year. Prior to that, she had smoked a pack-per-day for over 30 years. She denies having a significant cough. She is on a "water pill" but does not always take it. She takes a "baby aspirin" daily.
1. Based on the presenting signs and symptoms, categorize and describe the stage of the heart failure according to guidelines from ACC/AHA and NYHA. Need Assignment Help?
2. As a clinical nurse specialist, you are educating a group of senior nursing students having their rotation in ICU. Explain the fluid status of the patient and the balancing role of diuretic and vasopressor in relation to the case.
3. Discuss extensively your evidence-based plan of care for Maria.