Question

At a resort on a mountaintop is a patient who complains of suddenly being short of breath and coughing. After assessing the patient, you realize there are basilar crackles in the lungs and the patient is anxious. The patient's vital signs indicate the heart rate is 136 and respirations are 28, while blood pressure is 176/94 mmHg. What diagnosis would you give this particular patient as assessed in the field?

A) A case of high altitude pulmonary edema
B) Start of congestive heart failure
C) Case of pneumonia
D) A case of high altitude congestive heart failure

Answer 1

The patient is likely experiencing high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure. HAPE occurs due to fluid leakage into the lungs at high altitudes, resulting in difficulty breathing and potential life-threatening complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient in question is showing symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing, basilar crackles in the lungs, anxiety, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure. These symptoms are consistent with A) a case of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

HAPE occurs when there is excess fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, which can happen at high altitudes. The decreased oxygen levels and changes in atmospheric pressure can lead to fluid leakage into the lungs, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain.

If left untreated, HAPE can be life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is necessary.