What is EF, and what does the decreased number indicate?
Perfusion
Case Study 1 Name_________________________________ Class/Group ______________________________ Date ___________
Scenario M.G., a “frequent flier,” is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF). She was discharged from the hospital 10 days ago and comes in today stating, “I just had to come to the hospital today because I can’t catch my breath and my legs are as big as tree trunks.” After further questioning, you learn she is strictly following the fluid and salt restriction ordered during her last hospital admission. She reports gaining 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) every day since her discharge.
1. What error in discharge teaching most likely occurred? 2. An echocardiogram revealed that her ejection fraction (EF) is
30%, but it was 40% a month ago. What is EF, and what does the decreased number indicate?
Case Study Progress During the admission interview, the nurse makes a list of the medications M.G. took at home.
Chart View
Nursing Assessment: Medications Taken at Home
Enalapril (Vasotec) 5 mg PO bid
Pioglitazone (Actos) 45 mg PO every morning
Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg/day PO
Potassium chloride (K-Dur) 20 mEq/day PO