ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Related

Review ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam related questions and content

A healthcare professional is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding is most commonly associated with this condition?

  • A. Peripheral edema
  • B. Jugular vein distention
  • C. Hepatomegaly
  • D. Crackles in the lungs
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Crackles in the lungs. Left-sided heart failure leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing crackles on auscultation. This indicates pulmonary congestion. Peripheral edema (A) is more common in right-sided heart failure. Jugular vein distention (B) is typically seen in right-sided heart failure due to increased venous pressure. Hepatomegaly (C) is more common in conditions like liver disease, not specifically left-sided heart failure.