Which statement made by a patient indicates a possible exacerbation of heart failure (HF)?
"I have gained 8 pounds this week."
"I am able to breathe easier today."
"I cooked dinner last night."
"There is no swelling in my feet."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A rapid weight gain is a common sign of fluid retention, which can indicate an exacerbation of heart failure.
Choice B reason: Being able to breathe easier would typically indicate an improvement in heart failure symptoms, not an exacerbation.
Choice C reason: Cooking dinner suggests a level of activity that is not indicative of an exacerbation of heart failure.
Choice D reason: The absence of swelling in the feet would generally be a positive sign, not indicative of an exacerbation of heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: An exercise stress test can help diagnose coronary artery disease by measuring the heart's ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment.

Choice B reason: Troponin I is a blood test that measures the levels of troponin T or troponin I proteins in the blood. These proteins are released when the heart muscle has been damaged, such as in a heart attack, which is a common complication of coronary artery disease.
Choice C reason: Cardiac computed tomography (CT) for calcium scoring is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location, and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
Choice D reason: Radioisotope imaging, such as a nuclear stress test, can show how blood moves to the heart muscle at rest and during stress, helping to diagnose coronary artery disease.
Choice E reason: Angiography involves using X-rays to see your body's blood vessels. Coronary angiography is specifically used to see if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, where they supply blood to your heart.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Frothy sputum is more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure.
Choice B reason: Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is also more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure.
Choice C reason: Peripheral edema, which is swelling in the lower limbs, is a classic symptom of right-sided heart failure.
Choice D reason: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, can occur in right-sided heart failure but is more characteristic of left-sided heart failure. Peripheral edema is the most specific symptom to right-sided heart failure among the options provided.
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