Which of the following is a symptom of left ventricular failure?
Peripheral edema
Jugular venous distention
Pulmonary congestion
Hepatomegaly
The Correct Answer is C
A. Peripheral edema:
Peripheral edema is a hallmark of right ventricular failure, resulting from systemic venous congestion. While left ventricular failure may eventually lead to right-sided symptoms if chronic, it is not the initial manifestation.
B. Jugular venous distention:
Jugular venous distention indicates right-sided heart congestion due to elevated venous pressure, not left ventricular failure.
C. Pulmonary congestion:
Left ventricular failure causes fluid backup in the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema, dyspnea, orthopnea, and crackles on auscultation. This occurs because the left ventricle cannot efficiently pump blood to the systemic circulation, raising pulmonary venous pressure.
D. Hepatomegaly:
Hepatomegaly occurs with right-sided heart failure, as venous congestion affects the liver. It is not a primary symptom of left ventricular dysfunction.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. AV node:
The AV node serves as a secondary pacemaker and delays the conduction of impulses from the atria to the ventricles, allowing ventricular filling. It does not initiate the heartbeat under normal conditions.
B. Purkinje fibers:
Purkinje fibers distribute impulses rapidly throughout the ventricles but act as a backup pacemaker at 20-40 bpm if higher centers fail. They do not initiate the cardiac rhythm.
C. SA node:
The SA node, located in the right atrium near the superior vena cava, is the primary pacemaker of the heart. It generates impulses at 60-100 bpm, initiating atrial contraction and setting the overall heart rate. Dysfunction of the SA node leads to arrhythmias such as sick sinus syndrome.
D. Bundle of His:
The Bundle of His conducts impulses from the AV node to the ventricles but is not a primary pacemaker. Its rate is slower than the SA node and primarily ensures coordinated ventricular contraction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Conduction system of the heart:
The conduction system controls the rhythm and timing of heart contractions, not fluid balance or edema formation. Impairment would cause arrhythmias rather than peripheral edema.
B. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system:
The RAAS regulates blood volume and sodium/water retention. Overactivation can lead to fluid retention and peripheral edema, especially in conditions like heart failure. Impaired RAAS can also contribute to inadequate compensation for low blood pressure.
C. Colloid osmotic pressure:
Colloid osmotic pressure, mainly from plasma proteins like albumin, maintains fluid within capillaries. Low osmotic pressure can cause edema, but in the context of BP regulation, RAAS dysfunction is more directly related.
D. Baroreceptor reflex:
Baroreceptors detect rapid changes in BP and initiate autonomic responses, but they do not directly cause edema in chronic blood pressure dysregulation.
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