2 Heart Failure Assessment and Findings Free Online FlashCards

Which findings suggest pulmonary congestion in heart failure?

Shortness of breath, difficulty lying flat, and crackles commonly suggest pulmonary congestion.

Which findings suggest systemic venous congestion?

Neck-vein distention, leg edema, and abdominal swelling suggest systemic venous congestion, often associated with right-sided heart failure.

Does fatigue point specifically to left- or right-sided congestion?

Fatigue and reduced ability to perform usual activities can occur with either pulmonary or systemic congestion.

What can an increase in pillows needed for sleep signal?

Needing more pillows to sleep may signal worsening congestion and should be reported to the healthcare team.

How should new nighttime breathlessness be interpreted?

Waking at night short of breath may indicate worsening heart failure and should be reported; it does not by itself identify which side is affected.

What does new leg edema in a patient with left-sided heart failure mean?

Left- and right-sided findings can overlap. New leg edema or abdominal fullness does not rule out known left-sided heart failure.

What role do BNP and NT-proBNP play in heart-failure diagnosis?

BNP or NT-proBNP can support heart-failure evaluation, but results must be interpreted with the clinical assessment and other test findings.

What information is considered alongside heart-failure diagnostic markers?

Evaluation considers history, examination, and test findings, including echocardiography and chest X-ray.

Can a chest X-ray alone confirm or exclude heart failure?

A chest X-ray may show an enlarged heart or lung congestion, but it cannot alone confirm or rule out heart failure.

What should be done about rapid weight gain with increased ankle swelling?

A rapid weight increase with worsening swelling may signal fluid retention. Contact the healthcare team according to the patient’s care plan.

What self-monitoring can help identify changes in heart failure?

Track weight daily and report new or worsening symptoms according to the patient’s care plan.

Should a patient sharply restrict fluids after noticing weight gain?

Do not make major fluid changes without clinical instructions; follow the patient’s care plan and seek guidance.