PART ONE Medical-Surgical Cases
Cardiovascular Disorders 1
1 Cardiovascular
Case Study 1 Heart Failure
Difficulty: Beginning
Setting: Emergency department, hospital
Index Words: heart failure (HF), cardiomyopathy, volume overload, quality of life
X Scenario
M.G., a “frequent flier,” is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of heart failure
(HF). She was discharged from the hospital 10 days ago and comes in today stating, “I just had to come
to the hospital today because I can't catch my breath and my legs are as big as tree trunks.” After fur-
ther questioning, you learn she is strictly following the fluid and salt restriction ordered during her last
hospital admission. She reports gaining 1 to 2 pounds every day since her discharge.
1. What error in teaching most likely occurred when M.G. was discharged 10 days ago?
A breakdown of successful communication occurred regarding when to call with early weight
gain. It is imperative that patients understand when to call their provider after being discharged
from the hospital for exacerbated HF. Comprehensive patient education starting at admission is
considered a standard of care and is mandated by The Joint Commission when providing care to
hospitalized patients. The goal of the discharge treatment plan is to facilitate successful patient self-
management, minimize symptoms, and prevent readmission.
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
During the admission interview, the nurse makes a list of the medications M.G. took at home.
■ Chart View
Nursing Assessment: Medications Taken at Home
Enalapril (Vasotec) 5 mg PO bid
Pioglitazone (Actos) 45 mg PO every morning
Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg/day PO
Potassium chloride 20 mEq/day PO
2. Which of these medications may have contributed to M.G.'s heart failure? Explain.
Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone, may increase the risk of heart failure and should not be
used in patients with symptoms of heart failure. They commonly cause peripheral edema and weight
gain (which are the result of both water retention and increased deposit of adipose tissue).
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1
, PART 1 MEDICALSURGICAL CASES
3. How do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), work
to reduce heart failure? (Select all that apply.) ACE inhibitors:
a. prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
b. cause systemic vasodilation.
c. promote the excretion of sodium and water in the renal tubules.
d. reduce preload and afterload.
e. increase cardiac contractility.
1 Cardiovascular
f. block sympathetic nervous system stimulation to the heart.
Answers: A, B, D
ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent
vasoconstrictor. This results in systemic vasodilation, thereby reducing preload (reducing the
volume of blood entering the left ventricle) and afterload (reducing the resistance to the left
ventricular contraction) in patients with HF. ACE inhibitors do not promote the excretion of sodium
and water, and they do not cause increased cardiac contractility or block the sympathetic nervous
system to the heart.
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
After reviewing M.G.'s medications, the physician writes these medication orders:
■ Chart View
Medication Orders
Enalapril (Vasotec) 5 mg PO bid
Carvedilol (Coreg) 100 mg PO every morning
Glipizide (Glucotrol) 10 mg PO every morning
Furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IV push (IVP) now, then 40 mg/day IVP
Potassium chloride (K-Dur) 20 mEq/day PO
4. What is the rationale for changing the route of the furosemide (Lasix)?
M.G. is fluid overloaded and needs to decrease fluid volume in a short period. IV administration is
delivered directly into the vascular system, where it can start to work immediately. In HF, blood flow
to the entire gastrointestinal (GI) system is compromised; therefore, the absorption of orally ingested
medications may be variable and take longer to work.
5. You administer furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IVP. Identify three parameters you would use to
monitor the effectiveness of this medication.
• Increased urine output
• Daily weight, looking for weight loss
• Intake and output (I&O)
• Decreased dependent edema
• Decreased shortness of breath, diminished crackles in the bases of the lungs, decreased work of
breathing, and decreased O2 demands
• Decreased jugular venous distention (JVD)
6. What laboratory tests should be ordered for M.G. related to the order for furosemide
(Lasix)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Magnesium level
b. Sodium level
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
2 Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
, CHAPTER 1 CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS CASE STUDY 1
c. Complete blood count (CBC)
d. Serum glucose levels
e. Potassium level
f. Coagulation studies
Answers: A, B, D, E
Furosemide is a potent diuretic, especially when given IVP, and may cause the loss of
electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These electrolytes will need to be
1 Cardiovascular
supplemented if the levels are low. In addition, furosemide may increase serum glucose levels,
which is an issue, considering that M.G. has diabetes. It is not necessary to monitor CBC or
coagulation studies while on furosemide.
7. What is the purpose of the beta blocker carvedilol? It is given to:
a. increase the contractility of the heart
b. cause peripheral vasodilation
c. increase urine output
d. reduce cardiac stimulation by catecholamines
Answer: D
Beta blockers reduce or prevent stimulation of the heart by circulating catecholamines.
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
The next day, M.G. has shown only slight improvement, and digoxin (Lanoxin) 125 mcg PO daily is added
to her orders.
8. What is the action of the digoxin? Digoxin:
a. causes systemic vasodilation.
b. promotes the excretion of sodium and water in the renal tubules.
c. increases cardiac contractility and cardiac output.
d. blocks sympathetic nervous system stimulation to the heart.
Answer: C
Digoxin works by increasing cardiac contractility, and thus increasing cardiac output.
9. Which findings from M.G.'s assessment would indicate an increased possibility of digoxin
toxicity? Explain your answer.
a. Serum potassium level of 2.2 mEq/L
b. Serum sodium level of 139 mEq/L
c. Apical heart rate of 64 beats/minute
d. Digoxin level 1.6 ng/mL
Answer: A
Low potassium levels can increase the potential for digoxin toxicity. M.G. is taking
furosemide, a loop diuretic that excretes potassium as well as sodium and water. Potassium
levels should be monitored carefully during digoxin therapy. The other findings are within
normal limits.
10. When you go to give the digoxin, you notice that it is available in milligrams (mg) not
micrograms (mcg). Convert 125 mcg to mg.
125mcg = 0.125 mg
If the student answers “.125 mg” the answer should be incorrect because, per The Joint Commission
“Do Not Use” list, the leading zero should not be omitted.
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3
, PART 1 MEDICALSURGICAL CASES
11. M.G.'s symptoms improve with IV diuretics and the digoxin. She is placed back on oral
furosemide (Lasix) once her weight loss is deemed adequate to achieve a euvolemic
state. What will determine whether the oral dose will be adequate to consider her for
discharge?
It is critical to provide the primary care provider with accurate, timely assessment data after the
change from IV to oral diuretic therapy. One of the fluid management goals for patients with HF is to
maintain a target weight. This is done by monitoring daily morning weight, keeping an accurate I&O,
1 Cardiovascular
and recording subjective symptoms.
12. M.G. is ready for discharge. Using the mnemonic MAWDS, what key management concepts
should be taught to prevent relapse and another admission?
The most essential aspect of teaching hospitalized patients is to focus on realistic key points.
Teaching should be aimed at successful communication of data to improve symptoms and prevent
readmission, without overwhelming the learner. The five most essential concepts for patients with
HF are included in MAWDS instructions.
Medications: Take as directed, do not skip a dose, and do not run out of medications.
Activity: Stay as active as you can while limiting your symptoms.
Weight: Weigh every morning. Call if you gain or lose 2 pounds overnight or 5 pounds from your
target weight.
Diet: Follow a low-salt diet, and limit fluids to less than 2 quarts or liters per day.
Symptoms: Know what symptoms to report to your provider; report early to prevent
readmission.
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
4 Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Cardiovascular Disorders 1
1 Cardiovascular
Case Study 1 Heart Failure
Difficulty: Beginning
Setting: Emergency department, hospital
Index Words: heart failure (HF), cardiomyopathy, volume overload, quality of life
X Scenario
M.G., a “frequent flier,” is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of heart failure
(HF). She was discharged from the hospital 10 days ago and comes in today stating, “I just had to come
to the hospital today because I can't catch my breath and my legs are as big as tree trunks.” After fur-
ther questioning, you learn she is strictly following the fluid and salt restriction ordered during her last
hospital admission. She reports gaining 1 to 2 pounds every day since her discharge.
1. What error in teaching most likely occurred when M.G. was discharged 10 days ago?
A breakdown of successful communication occurred regarding when to call with early weight
gain. It is imperative that patients understand when to call their provider after being discharged
from the hospital for exacerbated HF. Comprehensive patient education starting at admission is
considered a standard of care and is mandated by The Joint Commission when providing care to
hospitalized patients. The goal of the discharge treatment plan is to facilitate successful patient self-
management, minimize symptoms, and prevent readmission.
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
During the admission interview, the nurse makes a list of the medications M.G. took at home.
■ Chart View
Nursing Assessment: Medications Taken at Home
Enalapril (Vasotec) 5 mg PO bid
Pioglitazone (Actos) 45 mg PO every morning
Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg/day PO
Potassium chloride 20 mEq/day PO
2. Which of these medications may have contributed to M.G.'s heart failure? Explain.
Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone, may increase the risk of heart failure and should not be
used in patients with symptoms of heart failure. They commonly cause peripheral edema and weight
gain (which are the result of both water retention and increased deposit of adipose tissue).
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1
, PART 1 MEDICALSURGICAL CASES
3. How do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), work
to reduce heart failure? (Select all that apply.) ACE inhibitors:
a. prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
b. cause systemic vasodilation.
c. promote the excretion of sodium and water in the renal tubules.
d. reduce preload and afterload.
e. increase cardiac contractility.
1 Cardiovascular
f. block sympathetic nervous system stimulation to the heart.
Answers: A, B, D
ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent
vasoconstrictor. This results in systemic vasodilation, thereby reducing preload (reducing the
volume of blood entering the left ventricle) and afterload (reducing the resistance to the left
ventricular contraction) in patients with HF. ACE inhibitors do not promote the excretion of sodium
and water, and they do not cause increased cardiac contractility or block the sympathetic nervous
system to the heart.
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
After reviewing M.G.'s medications, the physician writes these medication orders:
■ Chart View
Medication Orders
Enalapril (Vasotec) 5 mg PO bid
Carvedilol (Coreg) 100 mg PO every morning
Glipizide (Glucotrol) 10 mg PO every morning
Furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IV push (IVP) now, then 40 mg/day IVP
Potassium chloride (K-Dur) 20 mEq/day PO
4. What is the rationale for changing the route of the furosemide (Lasix)?
M.G. is fluid overloaded and needs to decrease fluid volume in a short period. IV administration is
delivered directly into the vascular system, where it can start to work immediately. In HF, blood flow
to the entire gastrointestinal (GI) system is compromised; therefore, the absorption of orally ingested
medications may be variable and take longer to work.
5. You administer furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IVP. Identify three parameters you would use to
monitor the effectiveness of this medication.
• Increased urine output
• Daily weight, looking for weight loss
• Intake and output (I&O)
• Decreased dependent edema
• Decreased shortness of breath, diminished crackles in the bases of the lungs, decreased work of
breathing, and decreased O2 demands
• Decreased jugular venous distention (JVD)
6. What laboratory tests should be ordered for M.G. related to the order for furosemide
(Lasix)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Magnesium level
b. Sodium level
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
2 Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
, CHAPTER 1 CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS CASE STUDY 1
c. Complete blood count (CBC)
d. Serum glucose levels
e. Potassium level
f. Coagulation studies
Answers: A, B, D, E
Furosemide is a potent diuretic, especially when given IVP, and may cause the loss of
electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These electrolytes will need to be
1 Cardiovascular
supplemented if the levels are low. In addition, furosemide may increase serum glucose levels,
which is an issue, considering that M.G. has diabetes. It is not necessary to monitor CBC or
coagulation studies while on furosemide.
7. What is the purpose of the beta blocker carvedilol? It is given to:
a. increase the contractility of the heart
b. cause peripheral vasodilation
c. increase urine output
d. reduce cardiac stimulation by catecholamines
Answer: D
Beta blockers reduce or prevent stimulation of the heart by circulating catecholamines.
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
The next day, M.G. has shown only slight improvement, and digoxin (Lanoxin) 125 mcg PO daily is added
to her orders.
8. What is the action of the digoxin? Digoxin:
a. causes systemic vasodilation.
b. promotes the excretion of sodium and water in the renal tubules.
c. increases cardiac contractility and cardiac output.
d. blocks sympathetic nervous system stimulation to the heart.
Answer: C
Digoxin works by increasing cardiac contractility, and thus increasing cardiac output.
9. Which findings from M.G.'s assessment would indicate an increased possibility of digoxin
toxicity? Explain your answer.
a. Serum potassium level of 2.2 mEq/L
b. Serum sodium level of 139 mEq/L
c. Apical heart rate of 64 beats/minute
d. Digoxin level 1.6 ng/mL
Answer: A
Low potassium levels can increase the potential for digoxin toxicity. M.G. is taking
furosemide, a loop diuretic that excretes potassium as well as sodium and water. Potassium
levels should be monitored carefully during digoxin therapy. The other findings are within
normal limits.
10. When you go to give the digoxin, you notice that it is available in milligrams (mg) not
micrograms (mcg). Convert 125 mcg to mg.
125mcg = 0.125 mg
If the student answers “.125 mg” the answer should be incorrect because, per The Joint Commission
“Do Not Use” list, the leading zero should not be omitted.
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3
, PART 1 MEDICALSURGICAL CASES
11. M.G.'s symptoms improve with IV diuretics and the digoxin. She is placed back on oral
furosemide (Lasix) once her weight loss is deemed adequate to achieve a euvolemic
state. What will determine whether the oral dose will be adequate to consider her for
discharge?
It is critical to provide the primary care provider with accurate, timely assessment data after the
change from IV to oral diuretic therapy. One of the fluid management goals for patients with HF is to
maintain a target weight. This is done by monitoring daily morning weight, keeping an accurate I&O,
1 Cardiovascular
and recording subjective symptoms.
12. M.G. is ready for discharge. Using the mnemonic MAWDS, what key management concepts
should be taught to prevent relapse and another admission?
The most essential aspect of teaching hospitalized patients is to focus on realistic key points.
Teaching should be aimed at successful communication of data to improve symptoms and prevent
readmission, without overwhelming the learner. The five most essential concepts for patients with
HF are included in MAWDS instructions.
Medications: Take as directed, do not skip a dose, and do not run out of medications.
Activity: Stay as active as you can while limiting your symptoms.
Weight: Weigh every morning. Call if you gain or lose 2 pounds overnight or 5 pounds from your
target weight.
Diet: Follow a low-salt diet, and limit fluids to less than 2 quarts or liters per day.
Symptoms: Know what symptoms to report to your provider; report early to prevent
readmission.
Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.
4 Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2001, 1996, by Mosby, Inc. an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
