Lasix would be chosen for this patient because of the edema that she is having. The patient is likely having some pulmonary edema and pedal edema. Lasix would be helpful for this patient because it blocks the reuptake of sodium (Truven Health Analytics Micromedex Solutions, n.d.). By Lasix blocking the reabsorption of salt there is a higher osmolality which decreases the kidney's ability to reabsorb water. Since cardiac output is poor right now with this patient the kidney function is also not up to pair. Lasix would be a good choice for this situation because for a short period of time it can improve renal blood flow.
Digitalis is given to this patient to help improve cardiac contractility. Digitalis can help with calcium uptake, with this increase in calcium the cardiac muscle can work better. Digitalis inhibits sodium-potassium ATPase, with this action increased intracellular sodium happens. When this happens, intracellular calcium is a result. Digitalis also works by reducing sympathetic response and decreased renin-angiotensin system output. Digitalis can be especially helpful with patients that are having elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure because it reduces cardiac sympathetic