A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Dependent edema
Frothy sputum
Nocturnal polyuria
Jugular distention
The Correct Answer is B
Frothy sputum is a sign of left-sided heart failure, due to the pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. The sputum may be pink-tinged or blood-streaked, indicating pulmonary edema.
a. Dependent edema is more likely to be seen in clients who have right-sided heart failure, due to the increased venous pressure and fluid retention. The edema is usually symmetrical and affects the lower extremities, abdomen, and sometimes the face.
c. Nocturnal polyuria is not a specific finding of left-sided heart failure, but it may occur in clients who have renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, or diuretic therapy.
d. Jugular distention is another sign of right-sided heart failure, due to the increased central venous pressure and backward flow of blood into the superior vena cava. It is visible as a bulging of the neck veins, especially when the client is in a semi-Fowler's position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a.This is appropriate as regular, moderate exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and functional capacity in clients with heart failure. It is essential to discuss appropriate types and levels of exercise based on the individual’s condition.
b.This is incorrect because clients should be instructed to notify the provider if they gain 1 kg (2.2 lbs) in one day or 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in one week. A weight gain of 0.5 kg is not typically a threshold for concern.
c. Take diuretics early in the morning and before bedtime is wrong because it may disrupt the client's sleep patern and cause nocturia. The nurse should advise the client to take diuretics early in the morning and avoid taking them in the evening or at night, unless prescribed otherwise.
d. Take naproxen for generalized discomfort is wrong because naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen heart failure by causing sodium and water retention, increasing blood pressure, and reducing the effectiveness of diuretics and other heart failure medications. The nurse should advise the client to avoid NSAIDs and use acetaminophen or other alternatives for pain relief, as prescribed by the provider.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Place a pillow under the client's head.
The nurse should place a pillow under the client's head to protect it from injury during the seizure. The nurse should also loosen any tight clothing, remove any objects that could harm the client, and maintain a patent airway.
- Gently restrain the client's extremities is wrong because it can cause injury to the client or the nurse. The nurse should not restrain or interfere with the client's movements during the seizure, but rather ensure a safe environment and observe the seizure activity.
- Apply a face mask for oxygen administration is wrong because it can be dislodged by the client's movements and pose a choking hazard. The nurse should not atempt to insert anything into the client's mouth or nose during the seizure, but rather provide oxygen by nasal cannula after the seizure if needed.
Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth is wrong because it can damage the client's teeth, gums, or tongue, or cause aspiration or airway obstruction. The nurse should not atempt to insert anything into the client's mouth or nose during the seizure, but rather turn the client to a side-lying position after the
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