The nurse is assessing a client with the diagnosis of left-sided heart failure. Which clinical finding should the nurse expect the client to experience?
Orthopnea
Bradycardia
Diaphoresis
Frequent coughing with yellow sputum
The Correct Answer is A
A. Orthopnea is correct. Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion, making it difficult for the client to breathe when lying flat. This results in orthopnea, where the client must sit up or use multiple pillows to breathe comfortably.
B. Bradycardia is incorrect. Heart failure typically leads to tachycardia due to the heart compensating for decreased cardiac output.
C. Diaphoresis is incorrect. While excessive sweating can occur in acute decompensated heart failure, it is not a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure.
D. Frequent coughing with yellow sputum is incorrect. A client with left-sided heart failure may have a dry or frothy, pink-tinged cough, but yellow sputum suggests infection rather than heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A complete occlusion of the coronary artery is characteristic of an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), not an NSTEMI.
B. Chest pain that resolves with rest is more indicative of stable angina rather than NSTEMI.
C. An NSTEMI occurs due to a partial occlusion of a coronary artery, leading to myocardial ischemia and damage without ST-segment elevation on an ECG.
D. Chest pain at rest can be seen in both unstable angina and NSTEMI, but it is not the defining feature of NSTEMI.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A pulmonary function test is used to assess lung diseases like COPD or asthma. It is not the primary diagnostic test for fluid overload and heart failure.
B. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is associated with early-onset COPD, but it does not relate to symptoms of fluid retention and heart failure as described in the question.
C. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is correct. BNP is released when the ventricles stretch due to fluid overload, making it a key diagnostic marker for heart failure. Elevated BNP levels indicate increased cardiac filling pressures and volume overload, which match the client’s symptoms.
D. A Doppler ultrasound is useful for detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or vascular issues, but it does not assess systemic fluid retention and heart failure.
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