Left-sided heart failure is characterized by
jugular vein distention.
peripheral edema.
decreased systemic vascular resistance.
pulmonary congestion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Jugular vein distention is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided. It indicates increased pressure in the right atrium and vena cava.
Choice B reason: Peripheral edema is also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided. It indicates fluid retention in the lower extremities and abdomen.
Choice C reason: Decreased systemic vascular resistance is not a characteristic of left-sided heart failure. It is a compensatory mechanism that occurs in response to reduced cardiac output.
Choice D reason: Pulmonary congestion is a characteristic of left-sided heart failure. It indicates fluid accumulation in the lungs due to the inability of the left ventricle to pump blood effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Beta blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. They do not cause edema or hyperkalemia.
Choice B reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Alpha 2 agonists are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure by stimulating the alpha 2 receptors in the brain, which reduce the sympathetic nervous system activity. They can be used to treat hypertension, especially in patients with renal impairment. They do not cause edema or hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, which cause vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. They may cause edema, but not hyperkalemia.
Choice D reason: This is the agent that the nurse should question. Aldosterone antagonists are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and reduce fluid retention by blocking the action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the sodium and potassium balance in the body. They can be used to treat hypertension and heart failure, especially in patients with low renin levels. However, they can cause hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous for the patient. The nurse should question the prescriber about the rationale for prescribing this agent and monitor the patient's potassium level closely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased cardiac output would result in a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
Choice B reason: Decreased vascular resistance would also result in a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. Vascular resistance is the force that opposes the blood flow in the blood vessels.
Choice C reason: Hypovolemia would also result in a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. Hypovolemia is the condition of having low blood volume due to fluid loss or dehydration.
Choice D reason: Vasoconstriction would result in an increase in blood pressure. Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases the vascular resistance and the blood pressure.
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