A 21-year-old at 12 weeks' gestation with her first baby has known cardiac disease, class III, as a result of childhood rheumatic fever. During a prenatal visit, the nurse reviews the signs of cardiac decompensation with her. The nurse will know that the patient understands these signs and symptoms if she states, "I would notify my doctor if I had:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A frequent cough can be a sign of cardiac decompensation, indicating possible fluid buildup in the lungs. The other choices are not specific enough to indicate cardiac decompensation. A small increase in pulse rate, mild ankle edema, and breast tenderness are all common during pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate a problem with the patient's heart function.

A 21-Year-Old at 12 Weeks' Gestation with Her First Baby