Which of the following is a common symptom of chronic aortic regurgitation?

Rationale:

A. While documentation is important, a weight gain of ≥2 lb (≈1 kg) in 1–3 days and generalized edema indicates fluid retention and possible worsening heart failure, which requires immediate provider notification, not just documentation.

B. Although adherence to diuretics is important, simply confirming this does not address the acute risk of fluid overload and possible decompensation. Immediate action is required.

C. Education is important for prevention, but in this case, the patient is already showing signs of worsening heart failure, so reinforcing education alone is insufficient.

D. Rapid weight gain and generalized edema over a short period are red flags for fluid overload. The nurse should contact the provider immediately to report findings and receive guidance for interventions such as adjusting medications, evaluating for hospitalization, or further monitoring.

Rationale:
A. Chronic aortic regurgitation typically does not cause bradycardia; the heart often compensates for the increased volume load by maintaining a normal or slightly elevated heart rate to preserve cardiac output.

B. This symptom is not characteristic of aortic regurgitation. Any abdominal discomfort in cardiac patients is more likely related to comorbidities or advanced heart failure affecting liver congestion, not the valve disease itself.

C. Chronic aortic regurgitation leads to volume overload of the left ventricle, causing left ventricular dilation and eventually increased pulmonary venous pressure. This results in left-sided heart failure symptoms, such as exertional dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance, which often appear gradually as the disease progresses.

D. Typically associated with right-sided heart failure, peripheral edema is not an early or primary symptom of isolated aortic regurgitation. It may appear only in advanced stages if biventricular failure develops.