The nurse is caring for a client with left-sided heart failure. Which assessment findings does the nurse anticipate for this client?

  1. dyspnea
  2. engorged spleen
  3. dependent edema
  4. jugular vein distention
  5. weak peripheral pulses
  6. crackles or wheezes in the lungs
Numbers 1, 5, and 6 are correct.
Rationale: Left-side heart failure manifestations include dyspnea, weak peripheral pulses, and crackles or wheezes in the lungs. Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion and decreased cardiac output. Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to an engorged spleen, dependent edema, and jugular vein distention.