When left ventricular failure occurs, which of the following signs and symptoms relate to the backward effects of heart failure? Select all that apply.

Question

Increased ejection fraction
Pulmonary edema
Jugular vein distension
Hypotension
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Answer 1

When left ventricular failure occurs, the backward effects of heart failure primarily lead to congestion in the pulmonary and systemic circulation. The signs and symptoms that relate to these backward effects include:

1. Pulmonary edema - This occurs due to increased pressure in the lungs from fluid backing up due to left ventricular failure.
2. Jugular vein distension - This can occur due to increased venous pressure as blood backs up in the right atrium, which can also be influenced by left ventricular dysfunction.
3. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea - This is a symptom where patients experience sudden shortness of breath while sleeping, often due to pulmonary congestion when lying flat.

The other options do not relate to the backward effects:

• Increased ejection fraction - This is not a sign of backward effects; typically, ejection fraction may decrease in heart failure.
• Hypotension - While it can occur in heart failure, it doesn't specifically relate to backward effects but rather may indicate forward failure or reduced cardiac output.

Thus, the correct selections are: Pulmonary edema, Jugular vein distension, Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.