Assessment of an elderly female client reveals the presence of bilateral pitting edema of the client's feet and ankles and pedal pulses that are difficult to palpate

Question

Auscultation of the client's lungs reveals clear air entry to bases, and the client's oxygen saturation level is 93%, and vital signs are within reference ranges. What is this client's most likely health problem?
A) Right-sided heart failure
B) Pericarditis
C) Cardiogenic shock
D) Cor pulmonale

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
A major effect of right-sided heart failure is the development of peripheral edema. A client who is in shock would not have stable vital signs. Cor pulmonale would be accompanied by manifestations of lung disease. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium exhibited by fever, precordial pain, dyspnea, and palpitations.