A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Frothy sputum: Frothy sputum, particularly pink or blood-tinged, is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, which is common in left-sided heart failure. The left side of the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and causing this symptom. B. Bradycardia: In left-sided heart failure, tachycardia (elevated heart rate) is more commonly seen as the heart tries to compensate for decreased cardiac output, not bradycardia (slow heart rate). C. Warm skin: In left-sided heart failure, the skin may feel cool and clammy due to poor circulation and reduced cardiac output. Warm skin is not a typical finding in this condition. D. Jugular vein distention: Jugular vein distention is more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where there is a backup of blood in the venous system. Left-sided heart failure primarily causes symptoms related to pulmonary congestion.