Adult Health Exam 1 Chamberlain Related

Review Adult Health Exam 1 Chamberlain related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which symptom should the nurse expect to find?

  • A. Peripheral edema
  • B. Jugular vein distention
  • C. Shortness of breath
  • D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a characteristic symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to effectively pump blood forward causes blood to back up into the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation. This fluid accumulation results in pulmonary congestion, manifesting as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Peripheral edema (choice A) is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the extremities. Jugular vein distention (choice B) is a sign of increased central venous pressure and is more indicative of right-sided heart failure. Weight gain (choice D) can be a general symptom of heart failure due to fluid retention, but shortness of breath is specifically related to left-sided heart failure.