The nurse is assessing a patient for heart failure (HF). Which early findings would indicate decreased cardiac output and a potential for fluid overload from heart failure?

A. Pulmonary crackles/rales: Left-sided heart failure leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion and crackles/rales on auscultation.

B. Weight gain: This is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid retention, though it can be seen in both types of heart failure.

C. Hepatomegaly: Hepatomegaly is typically associated with right-sided heart failure due to congestion in the systemic circulation.

D. Jugular vein distention: JVD is a sign of right-sided heart failure, as it indicates increased central venous pressure.

A. Dark colored urine: Dark urine can be a sign of bilirubin buildup in the body due to liver dysfunction, commonly seen in cirrhosis.

B. Dark colored stool: This is not typically associated with cirrhosis. Dark stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, but in cirrhosis, stools are more likely to be pale or clay-colored due to a lack of bile.

C. Jaundice: Jaundice occurs due to the liver's inability to process bilirubin, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.

D. Pruritus: Pruritus, or itching, is common in cirrhosis due to bile salt deposition in the skin.

E. Ascites: Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, is a common complication of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension and low albumin levels.