During a cardiac assessment, what finding would suggest a possible heart failure?

During a cardiac assessment, what finding would suggest a possible heart failure?

• A. High blood pressure readings
• B. Increased jugular venous distension (JVD) and peripheral edema
• C. Normal heart rate and rhythm
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Answer: (B)

Increased jugular venous distension (JVD) and peripheral edema are key indicators of possible heart failure. JVD occurs when there is elevated pressure in the venous system, typically due to increased fluid volume and poor heart function, which is often seen in right-sided heart failure. Peripheral edema, or swelling in the extremities, results from fluid accumulation as the heart struggles to efficiently pump blood, leading to congestion in the circulatory system. Both of these findings are closely associated with heart failure, providing strong evidence of impaired cardiac function. High blood pressure readings may indicate hypertension, which can be a risk factor for heart failure but is not a direct indicator of it. Normal heart rate and rhythm suggest the heart is functioning properly, which would not align with a diagnosis of heart failure. A decreased respiratory rate generally does not correlate with heart failure and may indicate other issues such as respiratory depression or other cardiac conditions.

Increased jugular venous distension (JVD) and peripheral edema are key indicators of possible heart failure. JVD occurs when there is elevated pressure in the venous system, typically due to increased fluid volume and poor heart function, which is often seen in right-sided heart failure. Peripheral edema, or swelling in the extremities, results from fluid accumulation as the heart struggles to efficiently pump blood, leading to congestion in the circulatory system. Both of these findings are closely associated with heart failure, providing strong evidence of impaired cardiac function.

High blood pressure readings may indicate hypertension, which can be a risk factor for heart failure but is not a direct indicator of it. Normal heart rate and rhythm suggest the heart is functioning properly, which would not align with a diagnosis of heart failure. A decreased respiratory rate generally does not correlate with heart failure and may indicate other issues such as respiratory depression or other cardiac conditions.