A patient diagnosed with heart failure asks the nurse if the problem is in the right or left side of the heart. Which symptom would indicate to the nurse that left-sided heart failure is occurring?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respirations of 36 per minute suggest left-sided heart failure as the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to the buildup of fluid in the lungs and resulting in shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Elevated neck veins may be seen in right-sided heart failure, dependent edema may occur in both types of heart failure, and right upper quadrant pain is not typically associated with heart failure.

A Patient Diagnosed with Heart Failure Asks the Nurse If