I HUMAN WEEK 3 NURS 2026 68 YEAR OLD MALE
PRESENTING WITH HEART POUNDING AND SHORTNESS OF
BREATH AT OUTPATIENT CLINIC UTILIZING SYSTEMATIC
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT, DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, AND
TARGETED MANAGEMENT
,PATIENT INFORMATION
Age: 68 years
Sex: Male
Height: 5′9″ (175 cm)
Weight: 199.0 lb (90.3 kg) approx
Location: Outpatient clinic with ECG and laboratory support
Reason for Encounter: Heart pounding and shortness of breath
Explanation: The patient is a 68-year-old male presenting with persistent palpitations described as heart
pounding for the past three days, accompanied by increasing shortness of breath and fatigue. The
symptoms are concerning for a cardiac arrhythmia or other cardiopulmonary pathology requiring
comprehensive evaluation.
, REASON FOR ENCOUNTER
Category Details
Encounter Type Outpatient clinic visit
Chief Complaint Heart pounding and shortness of breath
Duration 3 days
Frequency Continuous since onset
Associated
Fatigue, exertional dyspnea
Symptoms
Aggravating Factors Physical activity, walking
Relieving Factors Rest
Systemic Symptoms No fever, no chest pain, no nausea or vomiting
Identify cause of palpitations and dyspnea, initiate treatment, improve functional
Patient Goals
capacity
Explanation: The table outlines key elements of why the patient sought care. He reports three days of
persistent heart pounding (palpitations), accompanied by shortness of breath and fatigue that worsen
with exertion and improve with rest. He does not endorse chest pain, fever, or gastrointestinal
symptoms. His primary goals are to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms, initiate
appropriate management, and restore functional capacity.
PRESENTING WITH HEART POUNDING AND SHORTNESS OF
BREATH AT OUTPATIENT CLINIC UTILIZING SYSTEMATIC
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT, DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, AND
TARGETED MANAGEMENT
,PATIENT INFORMATION
Age: 68 years
Sex: Male
Height: 5′9″ (175 cm)
Weight: 199.0 lb (90.3 kg) approx
Location: Outpatient clinic with ECG and laboratory support
Reason for Encounter: Heart pounding and shortness of breath
Explanation: The patient is a 68-year-old male presenting with persistent palpitations described as heart
pounding for the past three days, accompanied by increasing shortness of breath and fatigue. The
symptoms are concerning for a cardiac arrhythmia or other cardiopulmonary pathology requiring
comprehensive evaluation.
, REASON FOR ENCOUNTER
Category Details
Encounter Type Outpatient clinic visit
Chief Complaint Heart pounding and shortness of breath
Duration 3 days
Frequency Continuous since onset
Associated
Fatigue, exertional dyspnea
Symptoms
Aggravating Factors Physical activity, walking
Relieving Factors Rest
Systemic Symptoms No fever, no chest pain, no nausea or vomiting
Identify cause of palpitations and dyspnea, initiate treatment, improve functional
Patient Goals
capacity
Explanation: The table outlines key elements of why the patient sought care. He reports three days of
persistent heart pounding (palpitations), accompanied by shortness of breath and fatigue that worsen
with exertion and improve with rest. He does not endorse chest pain, fever, or gastrointestinal
symptoms. His primary goals are to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms, initiate
appropriate management, and restore functional capacity.
