A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been admitted for exacerbation of left-sided heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A reason: Dependent edema is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure, where systemic venous congestion causes fluid accumulation in lower extremities. In left-sided heart failure, pulmonary congestion predominates, leading to respiratory symptoms rather than peripheral edema, which is less directly associated with left ventricular dysfunction. Choice B reason: Jugular vein distention reflects right-sided heart failure, where increased venous pressure from right ventricular failure causes neck vein engorgement. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects pulmonary circulation, leading to lung congestion rather than systemic venous changes, making this finding less expected in this condition. Choice C reason: Polyuria at night (nocturia) is associated with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or diabetes, not left-sided heart failure. In heart failure, reduced cardiac output may decrease renal perfusion, leading to oliguria rather than increased urine output, especially during exacerbation of left-sided failure. Choice D reason: Frothy sputum, often pink-tinged, is a hallmark of left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary edema. Fluid backs up into the lungs from left ventricular dysfunction, causing leakage into alveoli. This produces frothy sputum, indicating acute respiratory compromise, a critical finding requiring immediate intervention.