A nurse is assessing a client with suspected congestive heart failure. Which symptom is the classic hallmark of left-sided heart failure?
Ascites
Dependent edema
Crackles in the lungs
Jugular vein distention
The Correct Answer is C
A) This choice is incorrect because ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation) is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
B) This choice is incorrect because dependent edema (swelling in the legs and ankles) is also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
C) This choice is correct. Crackles in the lungs, also known as rales, are the classic hallmark of left-sided heart failure. They occur when fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to abnormal lung sounds on auscultation.
D) This choice is incorrect because jugular vein distention is associated with right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because a high-pitched, scratchy sound heard during inhalation is called a pleural friction rub and is associated with pleuritis or inflammation of the pleura, not congestive heart failure.
B) This choice is correct. An S3 heart sound is an extra heart sound heard immediately after S1 and S2, often described as a "ventricular gallop." It is associated with congestive heart failure and indicates increased fluid volume and strain on the ventricles.
C) This choice is incorrect because a prolonged, whooshing sound heard during systole is a heart murmur, which can be caused by various conditions, but it is not specific to the presence of an S3 sound.
D) This choice is incorrect because an irregular heart rhythm with varying intensity is characteristic of cardiac arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats and is not specific to the presence of an S3 sound.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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