A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has left-sided heart failure.
Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to see in this client? (Select all that apply.).
Gastrointestinal bloating.
Jugular vein distention.
Tachycardia.
Orthopnea.
Dyspnea.
Correct Answer : C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Gastrointestinal bloating is not a typical clinical manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the pulmonary circulation, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea and orthopnea, but not gastrointestinal symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Jugular vein distention is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, the congestion typically occurs in the pulmonary circulation, leading to respiratory symptoms, whereas jugular vein distention is a sign of elevated central venous pressure often seen in right-sided heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
Tachycardia is a common clinical manifestation of left-sided heart failure. As the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, it compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain cardiac output.
Choice D rationale:
Orthopnea is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure. Clients with left-sided heart failure often experience difficulty breathing when lying flat and find relief when sitting upright. This is due to the redistribution of blood in the lungs when changing positions.
Choice E rationale:
Dyspnea is another hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. It is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) due to the impaired ability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood, leading to congestion in the pulmonary circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle is important for clients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to help prevent airway obstruction during sleep. However, this should not be the nurse's immediate priority before leaving the client. Ensuring the client's positive airway pressure (PAP) device is properly applied is more crucial.
Choice C rationale:
While locking the side rails in place is generally essential for safety, it is not the most critical intervention for a client with OSA and urination issues. Ensuring proper use of the PAP device is a higher priority.
Choice D rationale:
Removing dentures or other oral appliances is important for preventing airway obstruction in clients with OSA, but it should not take precedence over ensuring the use of the PAP device. The nurse should address the immediate respiratory needs of the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Pitting edema of the lower legs.”. Pitting edema is a common sign of congestive heart failure (CHF), and it often occurs bilaterally in the lower extremities. While this is a potential finding in left-sided heart failure, it is not specific to it.
Choice B rationale:
"Jugular venous distention.”. Jugular venous distention (JVD) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure or elevated central venous pressure. It is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
"Shortness of breath while lying down.”. This is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure, known as orthopnea. When the patient lies flat, fluid that has accumulated in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing. Patients with left-sided heart failure often find relief by sleeping with their upper body elevated.
Choice D rationale:
"Right upper quadrant pain.”. Right upper quadrant pain is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure. It may be associated with issues related to the liver or gallbladder but is not directly related to heart failure.
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