Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

In nursing management of a patient just diagnosed with heart failure, what symptom should be monitored closely?

1. Increased urine output

2. Chest pain

3. Peripheral edema

4. Bradycardia

The correct answer is: Peripheral edema

Monitoring for peripheral edema is essential in the nursing management of a patient diagnosed with heart failure. This symptom often indicates fluid retention due to the heart's decreased ability to effectively pump blood, leading to congestion in the body. Fluid overload can exacerbate the condition, which is a hallmark of heart failure. Observing changes in peripheral edema helps assess the patient's response to treatments such as diuretics, and guides adjustments to fluid intake and medications as necessary. Increased urine output might be seen with effective diuresis, which is typically a desired outcome rather than a symptom to monitor for worsened heart failure. Chest pain can be a significant concern in various cardiac conditions but is not as directly indicative of heart failure's progression as peripheral edema. Bradycardia is related to heart rate and rhythm but does not specifically assess the fluid status or volume overload associated with heart failure. Thus, closely monitoring peripheral edema directly correlates with the management of heart failure symptoms and the overall effectiveness of treatment strategies.