A nurse is caring for an older adult patient with left-sided heart failure. What assessment findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Frothy sputum is a common finding in patients with left-sided heart failure. This is due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can cause the sputum to become frothy.

Choice B rationale

Dependent edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. It occurs due to fluid accumulation in the systemic circulation, leading to swelling in the lower extremities.

Choice C rationale

Nocturnal polyuria can occur in heart failure, but it is not a specific sign of left-sided heart failure.

Choice D rationale

Jugular venous distention is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. It occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium, leading to visible distention of the jugular veins.

Choice A rationale

A negative rubella titer indicates that the patient does not have immunity to the rubella virus. Therefore, the patient would need a rubella vaccination after delivery to prevent future infection.

Choice B rationale

A negative rubella titer does not necessarily mean that the patient is not currently infected with rubella. It simply means that the patient does not have immunity to the virus.

Choice C rationale

A negative rubella titer indicates that the patient is not immune to the rubella virus, not that they are immune.

Choice D rationale

While the patient does need a rubella vaccination, it is not typically given during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk to the fetus. Instead, it is usually given after delivery.