Case Studies

Case 4: Mrs Jones, 50 year old with chest pain (Part 6 The cardiovascular system)

Mrs Jones is a 50-year-old postal worker, who has woken up with chest pain, pain in her left leg and feeling breathless. A week ago she and her husband returned from holiday, from the Far East, which was a long flight. Mrs Jones felt tired all the way through her return flight, and therefore she slept for most of her journey. The only time she woke up was to have her meals and to go to the toilet.

On landing, Mrs Jones complained to her husband of pain in her left leg (calf). They both rested for a while before continuing on their journey. Mr Jones advised his wife to ring the surgery to make an appointment to see her GP.

Mrs Jones does not smoke but does drink alcohol and is slightly overweight.

• 1. What is the possible diagnosis for Mrs Jones?

• 2. Think about the possible vascular symptoms that may occur through poor circulation. Think about how long flights affect circulation.

• 3. Discuss some of the investigations that may be carried out to confirm diagnosis? Think about invasive and non-invasive investigations.

• 4. Discuss the immediate nursing care and treatment of Mrs Jones.

• 5. Would altering her lifestyle help in the prevention of the illness?