An elder adult patient presents with orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and bilateral ankle swelling. Echocardiography demonstrates decreased left ventricular motion and ejection fraction, but normal valve function. These findings are most indicative of which type of cardiac pathology?
A. Shunted flow
B. Regurgitant flow
C. Flow obstruction
D. Pump failure
Answer (2)
The symptoms and echocardiography findings in this case most indicate pump failure , which is common in elderly patients. Signs such as orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea support the diagnosis. Normal valve function further confirms that the heart's pumping ability is impaired rather than issues with flow obstruction or regurgitation. ;
The findings suggest that the patient is experiencing pump failure, commonly known as heart failure, indicated by symptoms like orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Normal valve function and reduced left ventricular motion further confirm this diagnosis. Therefore, the correct answer to the multiple-choice question is D. Pump failure .
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