Which finding is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?

Enhance your PEAT Series 2 Form B Test preparation with structured questions and detailed insights. Understand test formats with explanations and ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which finding is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?

Explanation:
Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous circulation, so the hallmark finding is elevated jugular venous pressure. This shows up as distended neck veins that are visible and that may remain distended when the patient is upright or semi-reclined, reflecting increased pressure in the right atrium. Pulmonary edema and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea are more characteristic of left-sided failure, where the backing up of pressure goes into the lungs. Muscular weakness and fatigue can occur with heart failure in general but aren’t specific to the right side.

Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous circulation, so the hallmark finding is elevated jugular venous pressure. This shows up as distended neck veins that are visible and that may remain distended when the patient is upright or semi-reclined, reflecting increased pressure in the right atrium.

Pulmonary edema and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea are more characteristic of left-sided failure, where the backing up of pressure goes into the lungs. Muscular weakness and fatigue can occur with heart failure in general but aren’t specific to the right side.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy