Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which one of the following would NOT be a symptom of heart failure?

1. Swelling of the legs

2. Increased appetite

3. Shortness of breath with exertion

4. Fatigue when resting

The correct answer is: Increased appetite

In the context of heart failure, symptoms typically arise from the heart's decreased ability to pump effectively and the subsequent fluid buildup in the body. Swelling of the legs, shortness of breath with exertion, and fatigue when resting are all common manifestations of heart failure. Swelling of the legs can occur due to fluid retention (edema) resulting from the heart's inability to circulate blood efficiently. Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is common because fluid may accumulate in the lungs, making it difficult for the patient to breathe, especially during physical activity. Fatigue, even at rest, can result from reduced cardiac output and the body’s efforts to compensate for diminished perfusion. In contrast, an increased appetite is generally not associated with heart failure. Instead, many patients report a decreased appetite due to a variety of factors, including nausea from fluid retention or the body's effort to maintain a balance when metabolic demands exceed cardiac output. Thus, the correct answer reflects that the symptom of increased appetite is not typically seen in patients experiencing heart failure.