A patient with heart failure reports having a cough with frothy sputum and awakening during the night to urinate. Based on this information, what abnormal data might this nurse expect to find during an examination? (Select all that apply.)
A) S4 heart sound
B) Dyspnea
C) Jugular vein distention
D) Pericardial friction rub
E) Edema of ankle and feet at the end of the day
F) S3 heart sound

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the manifestations mentioned in options B, C, E, and F are consistent with fluid overload that occurs in heart failure because the cardiac output is decreased. S4 heart sounds signify a noncompliant or stiff ventricle. Hypertrophy of the ventricle precedes a noncompliant ventricle. Also, coronary artery disease is a major cause of a stiff ventricle. Pericardial friction rubs are caused by inflammation of the layers of the pericardial sac.

A Patient with Heart Failure Reports Having a Cough with Frothy