Pathophysiology Case Study

Write a 2 page essay about the following:
Ms. J is a 78-year-old female client who presents into the clinic for her annual physical. When
assessing her vital signs, her blood pressure is 160/92.

1. What could possibly be causing her blood pressure to be elevated?
2. Poorly controlled hypertension could eventually result in decreased cardiac output and heart
   failure. Why?
3. A routine electrocardiogram (ECG) is ordered. Explain the electrical activity of the heart and
   correlate the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave with the underlying physiology.
4. No P wave is detected on the electrocardiogram (ECG), and the heart rate is 46 beats per
   minute. What do you suspect?

Sample Solution