A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of left-sided heart failure?

Rationale: A. Dependent edema: This occurs due to fluid buildup in the peripheral tissues, which is typically caused by right-sided heart failure. It reflects systemic venous congestion rather than pulmonary issues associated with left-sided failure. B. Jugular distention: Jugular venous distention is a sign of increased central venous pressure and is more often associated with right-sided heart failure, not the pulmonary congestion seen in left-sided failure. C. Weight gain: Weight gain from fluid retention is more indicative of right-sided heart failure, which causes systemic congestion; it is not a primary manifestation of left-sided heart failure. D. Frothy sputum: Frothy, often pink-tinged sputum results from pulmonary edema caused by left-sided heart failure. Blood backs up into the lungs due to poor left ventricular function, leading to fluid leakage into the alveoli.