Anna went to her physician complaining of fatigue and swelling in her legs. She explained the doctor that she exercises often and does not drink water. She also revealed that she is smoker. Doctor sad that she was dehydrated, had edema and probably hypoproteinemia (low plasma protein concentration). He ordered some blood tests and ECG. ECG revealed that she had atrial fibrillation, which he said might explain her fatigue. Doctor advised her perhaps exercise more moderately, drink water and that she should definitely stop smoking.
- How might a blood test help to diagnose the cause of Jessica’s fatigue and edema?
- How does her hypoproteinemia relate to her edema?
- How would dehydration influence blood volume, stroke volume, and cardiac output?
- What is atrial fibrillation, and how does it appear on an ECG?
- How might atrial fibrillation explain Anna’s fatigue?