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    HESI RN Medical surgical proctored exam

    An adult client newly diagnosed with left ventricular dysfunction is admitted to the hospital with fine rales and wheezing. When assessing this client, which additional finding is the nurse likely to obtain?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Jugular vein distension is often associated with right-sided heart failure, where the right ventricle fails to pump effectively, leading to increased pressure in the veins and fluid backup. While it can occur in advanced cases of left ventricular dysfunction, it is not as directly indicative as lower extremity edema.Choice B reason: Lower extremity edema is a common finding in left ventricular dysfunction. When the left ventricle fails to pump blood efficiently, it leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and eventually in the extremities. This results in swelling, particularly in the lower legs and feet. This symptom is a key indicator of congestive heart failure.Choice C reason: Hepatomegaly, or enlargement of the liver, is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to congestion of blood flow in the liver. While it can occur in severe cases of left ventricular dysfunction, it is not as typical an initial finding as lower extremity edema.Choice D reason: Fatigue is a non-specific symptom that can be associated with various conditions, including heart failure. However, it is not as immediately indicative of left ventricular dysfunction as lower extremity edema, which is more directly related to the underlying issue of fluid retention and heart failure.

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