NextGen UNFOLDING Reasoning Atrial Fibrillation/Heart Failure (2/4)

Part I: Initial Nursing Assessment Present Problem: Bill Hill is a 71-year old male with a past medical history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), peripheral vascular disease and myelodysplastic syndrome MDS) two months ago after a bone marrow biopsy. Six weeks ago, Bill was admitted because he had a syncopal episode. He was diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and acute anemia with a Hgb of 6.9 and received a transfusion of one unit of PRBCs. Bill presents to the emergency department today with increasing weakness, fatigue, sinus congestion, fever, and chills the past week. He was around grandchildren with colds two weeks ago. Bill woke up at 6 a.m. today feeling short of breath, and coughing harshly with clear sputum. He had difficulty walking back to bed after getting up to the bathroom. His wife, who is a retired nurse, noted that he was much paler, took his vital signs, which were BP: 96/62, HR: 140 irreg, RR: 24. Bill admits to losing 15 lb (6.8 kg) over the last 2-3 months