The nurse assesses for which sign of decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion in a patient with heart failure? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. Reduced mental alertness
2. Increased urine output
3. Abdominal distention
4. Strong peripheral pulses
5. Cachexia

Answer 1

1,5
Rationale 1: A change in mentation is a common sign of decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
Rationale 2: Urine output would decrease.
Rationale 3: Abdominal distention is a sign of right-sided failure, which is a problem with venous return, not cardiac output or tissue perfusion.
Rationale 4: Pulses would weaken.
Rationale 5: Patients with severe pulmonary diseases often cannot take in enough calories to meet increased demands. This fact, along with neurohormonal changes, results in cachexia.