What symptoms are associated with right-sided heart failure?

Prepare for the WGU NURS5204 D027 Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations Exam with comprehensive resources. Practice with flashcards, solve multiple choice questions, and understand detailed explanations to excel in your exam!

Right-sided heart failure primarily affects the return of blood from the body, leading to various symptoms due to increased pressure in the systemic venous system. When this part of the heart fails to pump effectively, blood backs up into the peripheral veins, causing fluid accumulation.

The symptoms associated with right-sided heart failure include jugular vein distension, which indicates increased pressure in the superior vena cava; lower extremity edema, where fluid leaks into tissues in the legs and feet; and abdominal distension due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, known as ascites. These manifestations are directly related to the body's inability to manage blood return effectively, leading to congestion in the venous system.

Thus, the presence of lower extremity edema and abdominal distension is a hallmark of right-sided heart failure, supporting the selection of this answer as the correct response.

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