A client with congestive heart failure presents with swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen. The nurse should document these findings as:
Clubbing
Peripheral edema
Pitting edema
Ascites
The Correct Answer is B
A) This choice is incorrect because clubbing refers to the enlargement of the fingertips and nails due to chronic hypoxia, which is not related to the client's reported symptoms.
B) This choice is correct. Peripheral edema refers to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which is a common symptom of congestive heart failure. The client's symptoms of swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen indicate peripheral edema.
C) This choice is incorrect because pitting edema is a specific type of edema where pressure on the skin leaves an indentation or "pit." While the client's edema may indeed be pitting, the question does not provide enough information to confirm this.
D) This choice is incorrect because ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not specific to the client's reported symptoms of swollen ankles and legs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) This choice is correct. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a significant risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF). Prolonged hypertension can lead to the heart's increased workload, causing it to weaken over time and eventually leading to CHF. The client's symptoms of fatigue, difficulty breathing, and nocturia (frequent urination at night) are common manifestations of CHF resulting from uncontrolled hypertension.
B) This choice is incorrect because diabetes mellitus, while a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is not directly associated with the symptoms described by the client. However, diabetes can exacerbate CHF if the client's blood glucose levels are not well-controlled.
C) This choice is incorrect because smoking history is a risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, but it is not specifically linked to the symptoms reported by the client in this case.
D) This choice is incorrect because a family history of heart disease may increase the client's risk of developing CHF, but it does not directly contribute to the current symptoms the client is experiencing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation) is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
B) This choice is incorrect because dependent edema (swelling in the legs and ankles) is also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
C) This choice is correct. Crackles in the lungs, also known as rales, are the classic hallmark of left-sided heart failure. They occur when fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to abnormal lung sounds on auscultation.
D) This choice is incorrect because jugular vein distention is associated with right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
