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    ATI Advanced Pharmacology Final Proctored Exam

    A 54-year-old man has a myocardial infarction, resulting in left-sided heart failure.The nurse caring for the man is most concerned that he will develop edema in what area of the body.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A rationalePeripheral edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided. This is because right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion, causing fluid to accumulate in the peripheral tissues, particularly in the legs and ankles.Choice B rationalePulmonary edema is a major concern in left-sided heart failure due to the inability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood out to the systemic circulation. This results in blood backing up into the pulmonary veins, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.Choice C rationaleLiver edema, or hepatomegaly, is more typically seen in right-sided heart failure, where the failure of the right ventricle causes blood to back up into the systemic circulation, affecting the liver and other organs.Choice D rationaleAbdominal edema, or ascites, is also more associated with right-sided heart failure. This condition occurs due to increased pressure in the veins and capillaries, leading to fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity.

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