A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Heart failure increases jugular venous pressure due to fluid overload and impaired cardiac output. Decreased pressure is not typical, making this incorrect for expected findings. Choice B reason: Weight gain, not loss, is expected in heart failure due to fluid retention. Weight loss may occur in advanced stages, but it is not typical, making this incorrect. Choice C reason: Dyspnea on exertion is a hallmark of heart failure, as reduced cardiac output limits oxygen delivery. Fluid in the lungs exacerbates shortness of breath, making this the correct finding. Choice D reason: Bradycardia is not typical in heart failure, where tachycardia often compensates for low output. Heart rate abnormalities vary, but dyspnea is more consistent, making this incorrect.