Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

What characterizes right-sided heart failure?

1. Elevated pulmonary artery pressure

2. Reduced hepatic perfusion pressure

3. Increased systemic venous pressure

4. Decreased systemic arterial pressure

The correct answer is: Increased systemic venous pressure

Right-sided heart failure is characterized by an inability of the right ventricle to effectively pump blood to the lungs, which leads to a series of compensatory changes in the cardiovascular system. One of the hallmark features of this condition is increased systemic venous pressure. As the right side of the heart struggles to handle the volume of blood returning from the body, blood begins to back up in the systemic venous circulation. This elevation in pressure can lead to symptoms such as peripheral edema, ascites, and jugular venous distension, which are common manifestations of right-sided heart failure. Increased systemic venous pressure reflects the heart's inability to effectively manage the return of blood, leading to congestion in the venous system. This is a critical aspect of right-sided heart failure and is essential for understanding the clinical signs and symptoms associated with the condition.