A patient complains of shortness of breath and having to sleep on three pillows to breathe comfortably at night. During the nurse's examination, what findings will suggest that the cause of this patient's dyspnea is due to heart disease rather than respiratory disease?
A) Increased anteroposterior diameter
B) Clubbing of the fingers
C) Bilateral peripheral edema
D) Increased tactile fremitus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bilateral peripheral edema indicates heart failure; dyspnea occurs because the heart cannot adequately perfuse the lungs. Increased anteroposterior diameter is seen with lung hyperinflation and may be associated with emphysema. Clubbing of the fingers is associated with chronic hypoxia and may be associated with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Increased tactile fremitus occurs when vibrations are enhanced and is associated with consolidation that may occur in pneumonia or tumor.

A Patient Complains of Shortness of Breath and Having to Sleep