Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common symptom of left-sided heart failure?

1. Pulmonary edema

2. Peripheral edema

3. Hepatomegaly

4. Hypotension

The correct answer is: Pulmonary edema

The correct choice highlights pulmonary edema as a common symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the left ventricle of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood out to the body. As a result, blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels. This elevated pressure causes fluid to leak into the lung tissue, a phenomenon known as pulmonary edema. Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, particularly when lying down, and may produce cough with frothy sputum. In contrast, peripheral edema—which involves swelling in the lower extremities—is more predominantly associated with right-sided heart failure, where the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood to the lungs. Hepatomegaly, or liver enlargement, typically occurs from congestion associated with right-sided heart failure as well. Hypotension can be a symptom of heart failure, but it is not specific to left-sided failure and can occur in various conditions affecting heart function. Understanding these distinguishing symptoms helps in recognizing the specific types of heart failure and their respective impacts on the body.