During assessment of a 72-year-old man with swelling in his ankles,the nurse finds jugular venous distension with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees.What does the nurse know this finding indicates?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jugular venous distension with the head of the bed elevated indicates elevated right atrial pressure. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and cor pulmonale.  This finding is not associated with decreased fluid volume, incompetent jugular vein valves, or atherosclerosis of the jugular veins.

During Assessment of a 72-Year-Old Man with Swelling in His