Assignment task:
Patient Xavier continues to experience chest pain and SOB and becomes increasingly agitated and restless. They are placed on 100% oxygen and the nitroglycerin drip is increased again with no effect. Their systolic pressure is now 40 mmHg. A breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) is inserted, and pace-making is provided. Their systolic pressure improves to 80 mmHg. The nitroglycerin drip is stopped due to their low blood pressure. Jugular venous distension is noted, and crackles are now present throughout the lung fields. Their urine output has also dwindled to nothing.
Questions: Both the fluid in the lungs and distension of the jugular veins tell you something about cardiac contractility and cardiac output as does the drop in blood pressure, what do these suggest about the heart's pumping ability? What side of the heart is primarily affected?