A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hacking cough
Abdominal distension
Dependent edema
Jugular venous distention
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hacking cough: This is the correct answer. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in a cough that is often described as "hacking" or "persistent." This cough may be worse at night when the client is lying down.
B. Abdominal distension: Abdominal distension is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, as fluid accumulates in the abdomen (ascites). In left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to pulmonary symptoms.
C. Dependent edema: Dependent edema is also more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, fluid tends to accumulate in the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion and related symptoms.
D. Jugular venous distention: Jugular venous distention is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to impaired blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. This finding is less likely to be prominent in left-sided heart failure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Foot ulcers: Foot ulcers are more commonly associated with the later stages of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when there is significant impairment of blood flow to the extremities, leading to tissue damage and delayed wound healing.
B. Intermittent claudication: This is the correct answer. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of PAD in the early stage. It is characterized by cramping leg pain or discomfort that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, and is relieved by rest. It is caused by insufficient blood flow to meet the demands of the muscles during exercise.
C. Rest pain: Rest pain is typically a symptom of more advanced PAD. It occurs when blood flow is severely compromised even at rest, leading to pain in the affected extremity that is not relieved by activity.
D. Dependent rubor: Dependent rubor is a sign of severe PAD and occurs when the foot or leg becomes red or flushed when in a dependent position. It is associated with compromised arterial blood flow.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dependent edema: Dependent edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to pulmonary symptoms such as cough and frothy sputum.
B. Jugular distention: Jugular distention is often associated with right-sided heart failure due to impaired blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. It is less likely to be prominent in left-sided heart failure.
C. Nocturnal polyuria: Nocturnal polyuria (increased urination at night) is a common symptom of heart failure, but it is not specific to left-sided heart failure. It can be seen in both left- and right-sided heart failure.
D. Frothy sputum: This is the correct answer. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Frothy, pink-tinged sputum is a characteristic finding in left-sided heart failure and is often associated with pulmonary edema.
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