Final answer:
Two signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output are breathlessness on exertion and edema of the ankles. Breathlessness happens because the heart can't pump blood efficiently during physical activities, and edema, especially in the ankles, results from fluid buildup due to ineffective blood pumping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "What are two S/S of Decreased CO?" is asking about the signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output (CO). This reflects a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is lessened, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body's tissues. A decreased CO can result from various conditions, including heart failure, hypovolemia, or even certain medications.
Two signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output (CO) are breathlessness on exertion and edema of the ankles. Breathlessness on exertion occurs as the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently during physical activity, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery and a sensation of shortness of breath. Edema, or swelling, particularly in the ankles, can occur as a result of the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the extremities.
Moreover, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can exacerbate a state of decreased cardiac output by binding to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the amount of oxygen transported to organs and further impairing cardiac function. It is important to differentiate between the two distinct uses of "CO," which refer to cardiac output and carbon monoxide respectively.