Differential Diagnosis for Ms. Cupidlyn
Based on the history of present illness and physical examination findings, the following differential diagnoses are considered:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): This is the most likely diagnosis given Ms. Cupidlyn's symptoms of acute onset breathing difficulty, fatigue, and edema. Her history of poorly controlled hypertension and coronary artery disease increases her risk for developing CHF. The physical examination findings of a displaced PMI, S3 and S4 heart sounds, jugular venous distension, and bilateral crackles are consistent with CHF.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although Ms. Cupidlyn does not have chest pain, her acute onset of breathing difficulty and tachypnea could be indicative of a pulmonary embolism. Her history of immobility and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis due to peripheral edema also support this diagnosis.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with Fluid Overload: Ms. Cupidlyn's history of diabetes and hypertension increases her risk for CKD. The presence of peripheral edema, weight gain, and mild hepatomegaly could be indicative of fluid overload, which is a common complication of CKD.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Tamponade: Although less likely, cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition that must be considered. Ms. Cupidlyn's history of coronary artery disease and the presence of a low diastolic blood pressure (50 mmHg) and tachycardia could be indicative of cardiac tamponade.
- Aortic Stenosis: Severe aortic stenosis can cause symptoms of heart failure, including dyspnea and fatigue. Ms. Cupidlyn's history of coronary artery disease and the presence of a displaced PMI could be indicative of aortic stenosis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Constrictive Pericarditis: This is a rare condition characterized by thickening of the pericardium, which can cause symptoms of heart failure. Ms. Cupidlyn's history of coronary artery disease and the presence of a pericardial knock (not mentioned, but possible) could be indicative of constrictive pericarditis.
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: This is a rare condition characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, which can cause symptoms of heart failure. Ms. Cupidlyn's history of diabetes and hypertension increases her risk for restrictive cardiomyopathy.