The nurse is evaluating the outcome of the treatment goals for a client with heart failure.
Which of the following would be the best query for the nurse to ask?

Choice A rationale

Trouble breathing is a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. Suggesting that it should not occur would be inaccurate. The failure of the left ventricle leads to blood accumulation in the pulmonary vessels, creating pulmonary congestion and shortness of breath. Prompt provider notification may be necessary but does not address the underlying pathophysiology. Pulmonary symptoms are expected in this type of heart failure.

Choice B rationale

While left-sided heart failure can eventually lead to right-sided heart failure, the initial problem is with left ventricular dysfunction. This causes reduced forward blood flow and pulmonary congestion due to backflow of blood into the lungs. Right-sided heart failure is not the primary event leading to pulmonary symptoms in left-sided heart failure.

Choice C rationale

The left ventricle's inability to pump effectively results in blood backing up into the pulmonary circulation, causing pulmonary congestion and symptoms like shortness of breath. This is consistent with the hemodynamics of left-sided heart failure. Pulmonary capillary pressure increases, leading to fluid leakage and impaired gas exchange, explaining the client's breathing difficulty.

Choice D rationale

Although difficulty breathing with exertion (dyspnea on exertion) is common, resting symptoms, including orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, can also occur in left-sided heart failure due to fluid redistribution. Limiting symptoms to exertion inaccurately portrays the clinical presentation and disregards other significant pulmonary signs.

Choice A rationale

Stones lodged in the ureter cause severe, colicky pain due to intense peristaltic waves attempting to dislodge the obstruction. The pain often radiates down the thigh and groin as the ureter's path follows these areas. Additionally, urinary retention or frequent urges with minimal voiding occurs due to irritation and partial blockage, confirming ureteral stone involvement.

Choice B rationale

While some stones may pass spontaneously, timing varies widely depending on size, location, and hydration levels. Pain and obstruction may persist longer than a few hours, making this statement misleading without further assessment.

Choice C rationale

Bladder stones may cause lower abdominal pain, frequency, and hematuria but do not typically involve radiating pain to the groin or thigh. The described symptoms strongly suggest ureteral obstruction rather than bladder involvement.

Choice D rationale

While procedural removal is an option for large or immovable stones, initial approaches often include pain control, hydration, and medical expulsive therapy. Surgical intervention is not the first-line explanation unless conservative management fails.