The nurse is caring for a chronic heart failure patient with ...

[wrbasek0]

The nurse is caring for a chronic heart failure patient with left-sided failure. Which documentation should the nurse expect to see in the medical record after this patient has a cardiac catheterization?
 
  1. Pressures in the left ventricle and atrium are increased.
  2. Pressures in the left ventricle and atrium are decreased.
  3. Pressures in the right ventricle and atrium match the ventricle pressures.
  4. Pressures in the right ventricle reflect functioning of all heart chambers.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient with chronic heart failure. Which abnormal chest sound should the nurse expect to auscultate?
 
  1. expiratory wheezes
  2. friction rub
  3. harsh vesicular sounds
  4. crackles

[lin77x]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
As the heart loses its ability to eject blood effectively from the left ventricle upon contraction, blood is retained in the left ventricle after systole and the chamber pressure rises due to the added blood volume. This patient is in left-sided heart failure, so pressure is higher in the left side of the heart, not the right side.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Fluid accumulates in the alveolar spaces in left-sided heart failure. This fluid causes the sound of crackles at the end of inspiration. Expiratory wheezes, friction rub, and harsh vesicular sounds are not associated with chronic heart failure.