A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports dyspnea and fatigue. Physical assessment reveals tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses. The nurse should recognize these findings as manifestations of which of the following conditions?

Right-sided heart failure is a condition in which the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the lungs, causing a backup of blood in the systemic circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the right atrium and the vena cava, which can be measured by the central venous pressure (CVP). A normal CVP is 2 to 6 mm Hg, but in right-sided heart failure, it can rise above 10 mm Hg. Symptoms of right-sided heart failure include peripheral edema, jugular venous distension, hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain.

a. Increased pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). This statement is incorrect because it describes a finding of left-sided heart failure, not right-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure is a condition in which the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the systemic circulation, causing a backup of blood in the pulmonary circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the left atrium and the pulmonary capillaries, which can be measured by the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). A normal PAWP is 6 to 12 mm Hg, but in left-sided heart failure, it can rise above 18 mm Hg. Symptoms of left-sided heart failure include dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, crackles in the lungs, and pink frothy sputum.

c. Decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). This statement is incorrect because it describes a finding of normal or reduced cardiac function, not heart failure. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone secreted by the cardiac cells in response to increased stretch and pressure in the ventricles. It acts as a diuretic and a vasodilator, lowering blood volume and blood pressure. BNP is used as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring heart failure, as it reflects the degree of ventricular dysfunction. A normal BNP level is less than 100 pg/mL, but in heart failure, it can rise above 400 pg/mL.

d. Decreased specific gravity. This statement is incorrect because it describes a finding of dilute urine, not concentrated urine. Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in urine, reflecting the ability of the kidneys to regulate fluid balance. A normal specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030, but it can vary depending on fluid intake and output, hydration status, and renal function. In right-sided heart failure, fluid retention and reduced renal perfusion can cause oliguria and increased specific gravity of urine.

Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood flow and comfort.

Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased fluid loss, which can worsen the condition.

Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is not relevant, as it does not affect the temperature or circulation of the feet.

Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inflammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.

Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood flow and comfort.

Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased fluid loss, which can worsen the condition.

Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is not relevant, as it does not affect the temperature or circulation of the feet.

Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inflammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.