A client with congestive heart failure presents with swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen. The nurse should document these findings as:

A) This choice is incorrect because serum electrolyte levels are not directly measured during an echocardiogram. They are typically assessed through a blood test and are not specific to evaluating heart function using ultrasound.

B) This choice is incorrect because blood pressure readings are not directly measured during an echocardiogram. Blood pressure is typically assessed using a sphygmomanometer and is not specific to evaluating heart function using ultrasound.

C) This choice is incorrect because oxygen saturation levels are not directly measured during an echocardiogram. Oxygen saturation is typically assessed using a pulse oximeter and is not specific to evaluating heart function using ultrasound.

D) This choice is correct. Ejection fraction (EF) is a parameter measured during an echocardiogram to assess the client's heart function. It represents the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each heartbeat and is an essential indicator of heart muscle efficiency and potential heart failure.

Questions

A) This choice is incorrect because clubbing refers to the enlargement of the fingertips and nails due to chronic hypoxia, which is not related to the client's reported symptoms.

B) This choice is correct. Peripheral edema refers to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which is a common symptom of congestive heart failure. The client's symptoms of swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen indicate peripheral edema.

C) This choice is incorrect because pitting edema is a specific type of edema where pressure on the skin leaves an indentation or "pit." While the client's edema may indeed be pitting, the question does not provide enough information to confirm this.

D) This choice is incorrect because ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not specific to the client's reported symptoms of swollen ankles and legs.