A 45-year-old man is in the clinic for a routine physical examination. During the recording of his health history, the patient states that he has been having difficulty sleeping. "I'll be sleeping great, and then I wake up and feel like I can't get my breath." Which is the best response by the nurse?

A) "When was your last electrocardiogram?"
B) "It's probably because it's been so hot at night."
C) "Do you have any history of problems with your heart?"
D) "Have you had a recent sinus infection or upper respiratory infection?"

Question

Jazzy ilamni · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (shortness of breath generally occurring at night) occurs with heart failure. Lying down increases the volume of intrathoracic blood, and the weakened heart cannot accommodate the increased load. Classically, the person awakens after 2 hours of sleep, arises, and flings open a window with the perception of needing fresh air. Although the symptom the patient is describing is likely r/t heart failure, asking when his last electrocardiogram was is not as important as finding out about a history of heart problems. These symptoms are not associated with a sinus or upper respiratory infection.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions