The nurse is doing an admission assessment on a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. Which signs and symptoms of left-sided heart failure should the nurse look for?

Explanation

• Left-sided heart failure symptoms are caused by a diminished ability of the left ventricle to pump blood. This leads to back pressure in the pulmonary circulation, causing pulmonary edema

• Signs and symptoms of left-sided heart failure include dry cough, crackles, cyanosis, dyspnea, and tachycardia

• Right-sided heart failure symptoms are caused by a diminished ability of the right ventricle to pump blood. This causes blood to pool in the extremities, abdomen, neck, and liver

• Signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure include peripheral edema, ascites, jugular vein distention, and hepatomegaly

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