Heart Failure: Left vs Right

Heart failure is congestion behind a failing ventricle — know where the fluid backs up.

Key points

• Left-sided: pulmonary congestion — crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea.
• Right-sided: JVD, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly.
• Daily weights at the same time on the same scale; report rapid gain.
• Sodium and fluid restriction as prescribed.

Test-taking tip: Look for the answer that protects the client first.