When caring for the patient with left sided heart failure, which of the following are subjective symptoms?
Patient verbalizes frequent fatigue.
Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.
Orthopnea.
Cyanosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Fatigue is a subjective symptom because it is experienced and reported by the patient. Patients with left-sided heart failure often experience fatigue due to the heart’s inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs.
Choice B rationale
Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is an objective symptom that can be measured and observed by healthcare professionals. It is not something that a patient can directly experience or report.
Choice C rationale
Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is a subjective symptom as it is based on the patient’s personal experience. However, it is not the best answer in this case because the question asks for the “subjective symptoms,” and fatigue is a more common subjective symptom of left-sided heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Cyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood, is an objective symptom that can be observed by healthcare professionals. It is not something that a patient can directly experience or report.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
It is a common practice for nurses to assess a patient’s respirations without explicitly stating so. This is because patients may alter their breathing pattern if they know it’s being observed.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating heart sounds using the bell of the stethoscope is a standard practice in nursing. The bell of the stethoscope is used specifically to listen to low-frequency sounds such as heart murmurs.
Choice C rationale
Assessing both carotid pulse sites at the same time is dangerous and should be avoided. This action can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, possibly causing the patient to faint or experience a decrease in cerebral blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Cleaning the stethoscope between patient assessments is a recommended practice to prevent the spread of infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Enlargement of the liver is not a common complication following a myocardial infarction that has caused damage to the right side of the heart.
Choice B rationale
Pulmonary congestion is more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac Tamponade is a serious medical condition in which blood or fluids fill the space between the sac that encases the heart and the heart muscle. This can occur as a result of a myocardial infarction, but it is not the most likely complication in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Peripheral edema is a common complication following a myocardial infarction that has caused damage to the right side of the heart. When the right side of the heart is damaged, it can lead to a backup of blood in the body’s veins, which can cause swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.