Final answer:
The skeletal muscle pump plays a crucial role in this patient's signs and symptoms. Lack of physical activity and excess weight contribute to poor circulation and the development of symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Step-by-step explanation:
The skeletal muscle pump plays a crucial role in the signs and symptoms experienced by this obese patient. The skeletal muscle pump is responsible for aiding in the circulation of blood back to the heart. In this patient's case, the lack of physical activity and excess weight contribute to poor circulation, leading to swollen feet and ankles, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The skeletal muscle pump functions by contracting and relaxing the leg muscles during physical activity, which helps push blood back up towards the heart.