Question

Your patient is experiencing orthopnea. This means the patient has...

A. difficulty breathing while laying down
B. distended neck veins while seated
C. increased dyspnea at night
D. acute swelling of the feet and ankles

Answer 1

Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying down and is commonly seen in patients with heart failure or pulmonary edema. It is important for patients experiencing orthopnea to seek medical care to identify and address the underlying cause.

Step-by-step explanation:

Orthopnea is a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing while lying down. It is commonly seen in patients with heart failure or pulmonary edema, where excess fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it harder to breathe in a horizontal position. The fluid buildup can be caused by conditions like heart or kidney failure, which can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet and ankles.

For example, a patient who is obese and spends long hours standing may experience swollen feet and ankles due to the lack of physical activity and the pull of gravity on blood flow. This can further lead to difficulty breathing, as the excess fluid puts pressure on the lungs.

If a patient is experiencing orthopnea, it is important for them to seek medical care to identify and address the underlying cause.