While taking a history, a nurse learns that this patient experiences shortness of breath (dyspnea). If the cause of the dyspnea is a cardiovascular problem, the nurse expects which abnormal finding on examination?
A) Flat jugular neck veins
B) Red, shiny skin on the legs
C) Weak, thready peripheral pulses
D) Edema of the feet and ankles

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient may have heart failure. Edema of the feet occurs with right ventricular heart failure. Dyspnea occurs with left ventricular heart failure. Flat jugular veins indicate a fluid deficit, which is not associated with dyspnea. Red, shiny skin on the legs is associated with peripheral arterial disease and is not associated with dyspnea. Weak, thready peripheral pulses indicate fluid deficit, which is not associated with dyspnea.

While Taking a History, a Nurse Learns That This Patient