The nurses comprehensive assessment of a patient who has HF includes evaluation of the patients hepatojugular reflux. What action should the nurse perform during this assessment?

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Hepatojugular reflux, a sign of right-sided heart failure, is assessed with the head of the bed at a 45degree angle. As the right upper abdomen (the area over the liver) is compressed for 30 to 40 seconds, the nurse observes the internal jugular vein. If the internal jugular vein becomes distended, a patient has positive hepatojugular reflux.

The Nurses Comprehensive Assessment of a Patient Who Has HF