A 42-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Fatigue

question 774

Multiple Choice

A 42-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to fatigue and exertional dyspnea.  Over the last 2 weeks his symptoms have progressively worsened to the point that he can no longer walk across his living room without becoming short of breath.  He is admitted to the hospital but dies suddenly despite aggressive treatment.  An autopsy is performed, and a cross-section of his heart is shown in the image below. This patient's symptoms were most likely caused by which of the following mechanisms?

• A)Decreased ventricular contraction force
• B)Dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction
• C)Impaired left ventricular filling
• D)Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
• E)Poor ventricular wall compliance

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Definitions:

Counterconditioning

A behavioral therapy technique that involves replacing an undesirable response to a stimulus with a more desirable one.

Humanistic Therapies

A category of psychotherapies that emphasize personal growth and the concept of self-actualization, focusing on an individual's potential and stressing the importance of self-exploration and personal responsibility.

Self-Awareness

Acknowledgement of one's own identity, affective states, reasons for action, and desires.

Psychological Adjustment

The process of psychological change that a person undergoes to become more adept at coping with difficult situations and life in general.