Assignment task: A 65-year-old patient is 8 days post op after a total knee replacement. Patient suddenly complains of shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and palpitations. On arrival to the emergency department, an EKG revealed new onset atrial fibrillation and right ventricular strain pattern - T wave inversions in the right precordial leads (V1-4) ± the inferior leads (II, III, aVF)
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following:
1. The cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary pathophysiologic processes that result in the patient presenting these symptoms.
2. Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
3. How these processes interact to affect the patient.