Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Prep Resource

Right-sided heart failure is characterized primarily by the heart's inability to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation, resulting in a backup of blood in the systemic circulation. This leads to an increase in venous pressure, which is a key factor in the development of peripheral edema. The excess fluid that accumulates in the interstitial spaces manifests as swelling in the extremities, particularly in the legs and ankles. This peripheral edema is a classic symptom of right-sided heart failure.

In contrast, pulmonary edema, which is associated with left-sided heart failure, results from fluid backing up into the lungs. Hypertension may be a contributing factor or a comorbidity but is not a direct feature of right-sided heart failure by itself. Acidosis can be seen in various clinical scenarios but is not a hallmark of right-sided heart failure specifically. Thus, the presence of peripheral edema is the distinguishing symptom that highlights the impaired venous return and underlying issues associated with right-sided heart failure.