What compensatory mechanism involved in both chronic heart failure and decompensated heart failure leads to fluid retention and edema?

A. Weight should be measured consistently at the same time each day, ideally in the morning before eating, to accurately monitor fluid retention; subtracting food weight is not practical or accurate.
B. Gradual increase in activity is important for clients with heart failure, as long as it does not cause shortness of breath (dyspnea). This helps improve functional capacity safely.
C. A weight loss of 0.1 kg (1 lb) is not usually concerning; rapid weight gain (e.g., 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week) is more significant and should be reported.
D. Consistency in timing and frequency of weighing is critical; daily weighing at the same time helps detect fluid retention early.

A. Increased systemic blood pressure – While systemic vasoconstriction may occur to maintain perfusion, it is a result of compensatory mechanisms like RAAS, not a primary mechanism leading to fluid retention and edema.

B. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation – RAAS leads to:

Sodium and water retention via aldosterone

Vasoconstriction via angiotensin II

These changes increase intravascular volume, contributing to fluid overload and edema.

C. Ventricular hypertrophy – This is a structural adaptation to increased workload (pressure overload), not directly responsible for fluid retention.

D. Ventricular dilation – Dilation occurs as a result of chronic volume overload, not as a compensatory mechanism causing fluid retention.