Which of the following manifestations is commonly associated with left heart failure?
Palpitations
Peripheral edema
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Palpitations
Palpitations, or the sensation of a rapid or irregular heartbeat, can occur in various heart conditions, including left heart failure. However, they are not the most common or specific symptom of left heart failure. Palpitations can be caused by arrhythmias, anxiety, or other cardiac issues. In the context of left heart failure, the heart's inability to pump blood effectively leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, which is a more direct and common manifestation.
Choice B: Peripheral edema
Peripheral edema, or swelling in the legs and ankles, is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the heart's right ventricle fails to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid accumulation in the body's extremities. While peripheral edema can occur in left heart failure, it is not as common as shortness of breath. Left heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and shortness of breath.
Choice C: Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is the hallmark symptom of left heart failure. When the left side of the heart fails to pump blood effectively, blood backs up into the pulmonary veins, causing fluid to leak into the lungs. This results in pulmonary congestion and difficulty breathing. Patients with left heart failure often experience shortness of breath during physical activity, while lying down (orthopnea), or waking up at night (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). This symptom is a direct consequence of the heart's reduced ability to manage blood flow and is a key indicator of left heart failure.
Choice D: Chest pain
Chest pain can be a symptom of various cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and angina. While chest pain can occur in heart failure, it is not the most common manifestation of left heart failure. The primary issue in left heart failure is the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and shortness of breath. Chest pain is more typically associated with ischemic heart conditions rather than heart failure itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, not the ear. It primarily affects the alveoli, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. While respiratory infections can sometimes lead to ear infections, pneumonia itself does not directly infect the ear.
Choice B Reason:
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. It is typically caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and does not affect the ear. Symptoms include fever, heart murmurs, and fatigue.
Choice C Reason:
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, usually caused by viral infections. It affects the heart's ability to pump blood and does not involve the ear. Symptoms can include chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring the client for an elevated temperature is crucial because it can indicate an infection at the pin sites or other complications. Infections are a common risk with halo fixation devices due to the invasive nature of the pins.
Choice B Reason:
Ensuring the halo jacket is snug against the client's skin is incorrect. The halo jacket should fit properly but not be too tight, as this can cause skin breakdown and discomfort. There should be enough space to insert a flat hand between the vest and the skin.
Choice C Reason:
Providing range of motion to the client's neck is not appropriate for a client with a halo fixation device. The purpose of the halo is to immobilize the neck to allow for proper healing of cervical injuries. Any movement could jeopardize the stability of the injury.
Choice D Reason:
Removing the vest daily to inspect the client's skin integrity is incorrect. The halo vest should not be removed frequently as it is meant to provide continuous immobilization. Skin integrity can be monitored by checking the areas around the vest without removing it.
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