The nurse is performing 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
• 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.