Comprehensive Case Study:
Fundamentals - Health & Physical
Assessment| Mock Rehearsals
2025/2026
A 75-year-old female, Mrs. Eleanor Miller, is admitted to the hospital with complaints of
increasing shortness of breath, cough, and mild chest pain over the past 3 days. She has a history
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. She also reports that she has
been more fatigued than usual and is finding it difficult to perform her daily activities. She lives
alone and is generally independent, but her family is concerned about her health status due to her
recent condition.
On assessment, her vital signs are as follows:
- Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
- Blood Pressure: 150/85 mmHg
- Respiratory Rate: 24 breaths/min
- Oxygen Saturation: 88% on room air
- Heart Rate: 96 bpm
Upon auscultation, the nurse hears wheezing in both lung fields. The patient also has bilateral
pitting edema in her ankles, and her heart rhythm is regular but slightly tachycardic.
1
, 1. **What would be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take based on Mrs. Miller's
oxygen saturation of 88% on room air?**
Initiate supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen saturation and relieve shortness of breath.
2. **Which of the following is the most likely cause of Mrs. Miller's increased shortness of
breath?**
A. Acute myocardial infarction
B. COPD exacerbation
C. Pneumonia
D. Asthma attack
B. COPD exacerbation
3. **What is the significance of the bilateral pitting edema found in Mrs. Miller's ankles?**
A. It is a sign of deep vein thrombosis
B. It indicates potential fluid overload, possibly related to heart failure or kidney dysfunction
C. It is a normal finding in elderly patients
D. It suggests venous insufficiency in the legs
B. It indicates potential fluid overload, possibly related to heart failure or kidney
dysfunction
4. **In the context of Mrs. Miller’s medical history, which diagnostic test would most likely
assist in diagnosing her current condition?**
A. Complete blood count (CBC)
2
Fundamentals - Health & Physical
Assessment| Mock Rehearsals
2025/2026
A 75-year-old female, Mrs. Eleanor Miller, is admitted to the hospital with complaints of
increasing shortness of breath, cough, and mild chest pain over the past 3 days. She has a history
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. She also reports that she has
been more fatigued than usual and is finding it difficult to perform her daily activities. She lives
alone and is generally independent, but her family is concerned about her health status due to her
recent condition.
On assessment, her vital signs are as follows:
- Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
- Blood Pressure: 150/85 mmHg
- Respiratory Rate: 24 breaths/min
- Oxygen Saturation: 88% on room air
- Heart Rate: 96 bpm
Upon auscultation, the nurse hears wheezing in both lung fields. The patient also has bilateral
pitting edema in her ankles, and her heart rhythm is regular but slightly tachycardic.
1
, 1. **What would be the most appropriate action for the nurse to take based on Mrs. Miller's
oxygen saturation of 88% on room air?**
Initiate supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen saturation and relieve shortness of breath.
2. **Which of the following is the most likely cause of Mrs. Miller's increased shortness of
breath?**
A. Acute myocardial infarction
B. COPD exacerbation
C. Pneumonia
D. Asthma attack
B. COPD exacerbation
3. **What is the significance of the bilateral pitting edema found in Mrs. Miller's ankles?**
A. It is a sign of deep vein thrombosis
B. It indicates potential fluid overload, possibly related to heart failure or kidney dysfunction
C. It is a normal finding in elderly patients
D. It suggests venous insufficiency in the legs
B. It indicates potential fluid overload, possibly related to heart failure or kidney
dysfunction
4. **In the context of Mrs. Miller’s medical history, which diagnostic test would most likely
assist in diagnosing her current condition?**
A. Complete blood count (CBC)
2
