The nurse is assessing a client admitted to the hospital for congestive heart failure and notes 1+ pitting edema of the left arm,as well as bilateral 1+ pitting edema in the client's ankles.The client's history indicates that the client has had a myocardial infarction and a left mastectomy.The nurse would suspect which of the following causes for the edema in the left arm?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's history of left mastectomy suggests impairment in lymphatic drainage, which can lead to edema in the affected arm. Bilateral edema in the ankles also suggests congestive heart failure, which can cause fluid retention in the body. Noncompliance with medication regimen or excessive intake of sodium may contribute to the edema, but they are not the primary causes in this case. Right-sided heart failure would cause edema in the legs or abdomen, but not specifically in the left arm.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client Admitted to the Hospital