Your neighbor tells you that he is concerned about his 70-year-old wife. She is at home recovering from a heart attack that occurred about 3 weeks ago. He explains that over the last few days her ankles and lower legs have been gradually swelling and are painful to touch. Today she seems to be a little short of breath. You recommend that your neighbor seek immediate medical attention because

these findings are suggestive of:

a. congestive heart failure.
b. tension pneumothorax.
c. an acute myocardial infarction.
d. pericarditis.

Answer: a