Which assessments should a nurse expect to find in a client diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure?

In a client diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure, the assessment that is most prominent and expected is dyspnea. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs due to the inability of the left ventricle to properly pump blood to the body. This causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary pressures and fluid accumulation in the lungs, which ultimately results in dyspnea or shortness of breath.

While peripheral edema and jugular distention are commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, they are not the hallmark signs of left-sided failure. In contrast, patients with left-sided congestive heart failure often describe worsening breathlessness, especially with exertion or when lying flat, known as orthopnea. Other symptoms may include coughing or wheezing, especially while lying down, due to fluid in the lungs.

Understanding these key features related to left-sided congestive heart failure helps nurses and healthcare providers effectively assess and manage patients, guiding treatment decisions and patient education.