A patient has been diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure, and is confused about return of oxygenated blood from the lungs. To clarify the confusion, the nurse explains all chambers of the heart dealing with blood circulation. The nurse is correct when telling the client

Explanation

• The heart consists of four chambers: 2 atria and 2 ventricles.

• The right and left chambers are separated down the middle of the heart by a septum, like a wall.

• The right atrium receives deoxygentated blood from the body, and the blood then moves down into the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs with low resistance.

• The left atrium then receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, and that blood moves down into the left ventricle.

• The left ventricle, which is the most muscular chamber, pumps oxygen-rich blood into the systemic circulation.

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