During data collection on a patient with chronic cardiac problems and diabetes, the patient reports a weight gain of 5 pounds over 3 days and fatigue when climbing stairs. Upon inspection, the nurse notes edema of the lower extremities. The nurse will have these symptoms reported to the physician right away, as the nurse understands they can indicate which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of rapid weight gain, fatigue, and lower extremity edema are indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid retention and peripheral edema are common due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to congestion in the systemic circulation.

During Data Collection on a Patient with Chronic Cardiac Problems