Question

A nurse is assessing a patient who has right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A) Peripheral edema
B) Crackles in the lungs
C) Cyanosis of the lips
D) Jugular vein distention

Answer 1

The nurse should expect to find peripheral edema in a patient with right-sided heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

In right-sided heart failure, the nurse should expect to find peripheral edema. This is because right-sided heart failure leads to an accumulation of fluid in the body, causing swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs.

In the case of right-sided heart failure, the compromised right ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid backup in the systemic circulation.

Peripheral edema occurs as a result of this fluid backup and is a characteristic finding in right-sided heart failure.