Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What condition is best explained by a patient with a dry cough, shortness of breath, and a weight gain of 6 lbs over 2 months?

1. Kidney failure

2. Congestive heart failure

3. ACE inhibitor-induced coughing

4. Thyroid disease

The correct answer is: Congestive heart failure

The symptoms presented—a dry cough, shortness of breath, and a notable weight gain of 6 lbs over a 2-month period—align closely with congestive heart failure (CHF). In CHF, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body. This can result in pulmonary congestion, which contributes to shortness of breath, particularly upon exertion or when lying flat. As heart failure progresses, fluid retention may lead to noticeable weight gain, as seen in the patient. The dry cough can be attributed to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing irritation. Additionally, CHF can sometimes result in cough when pressure in the lungs increases, distorting the normal respiratory function even further. These intertwined symptoms illustrate the classic presentation of congestive heart failure, making it the most fitting diagnosis in this scenario.