When caring for the patient with left sided heart failure, which of the following are subjective symptoms?
Patient verbalizes frequent fatigue.
Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.
Orthopnea.
Cyanosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Fatigue is a subjective symptom because it is experienced and reported by the patient. Patients with left-sided heart failure often experience fatigue due to the heart’s inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs.
Choice B rationale
Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is an objective symptom that can be measured and observed by healthcare professionals. It is not something that a patient can directly experience or report.
Choice C rationale
Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is a subjective symptom as it is based on the patient’s personal experience. However, it is not the best answer in this case because the question asks for the “subjective symptoms,” and fatigue is a more common subjective symptom of left-sided heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Cyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood, is an objective symptom that can be observed by healthcare professionals. It is not something that a patient can directly experience or report.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Subjective documentation cannot be quantified. It is based on the patient’s personal experiences and perceptions, which can vary greatly among individuals.
Choice B rationale
A patient’s description is an example of subjective data, not objective data. Subjective data is information that comes directly from the patient and includes their feelings, perceptions, and reported symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Subjective data can incorporate a patient’s emotions. Emotions can provide valuable insights into a patient’s mental and emotional health, which is an important aspect of overall health.
Choice D rationale
A 2-centimeter red wound with exudate is an example of objective data. Objective data is measurable, observable, and can be verified by more than one person.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
It is a common practice for nurses to assess a patient’s respirations without explicitly stating so. This is because patients may alter their breathing pattern if they know it’s being observed.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating heart sounds using the bell of the stethoscope is a standard practice in nursing. The bell of the stethoscope is used specifically to listen to low-frequency sounds such as heart murmurs.
Choice C rationale
Assessing both carotid pulse sites at the same time is dangerous and should be avoided. This action can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, possibly causing the patient to faint or experience a decrease in cerebral blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Cleaning the stethoscope between patient assessments is a recommended practice to prevent the spread of infections.
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