Final answer:
Based on the provided hemodynamic data and with a PCWP of 15 torr and C.O. of 3.7 L/min, the patient is likely suffering from congestive heart failure, which is characterized by the left ventricle's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient in the cardiac intensive care unit with a Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheter presents the following hemodynamic data: Central Venous Pressure (CVP) of 7 torr, mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) of 20 torr, Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) of 15 torr, and Cardiac Output (C.O.) of 3.7 L/min. Analyzing this data, especially the elevated PCWP and the decreased C.O. below the mean cardiac output of 5.25 L/min, suggests that the patient is likely experiencing congestive heart failure (CHF). In CHF, the left ventricle is unable to efficiently pump blood, leading to a buildup of pressure in the pulmonary circulation, as indicated by the patient's PCWP. This increase in hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries can cause fluid to leak into the lung tissues, resulting in pulmonary edema, which is consistent with the diagnosis of CHF.