Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A patient diagnosed with Heart Failure would like the nurse to explain what the diagnosis means. How will the nurse explain heart failure?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: The heart muscle cannot pump effectively, causing a backup of blood. This is the most accurate explanation of heart failure. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a backup of blood in the circulatory system. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Increased protein leading to reduced oncotic pressure is not a direct cause of heart failure.
C: This choice describes the forces involved in fluid movement, not the primary mechanism of heart failure.
D: Heart failure causes a backup of blood, which in turn increases venous pressure, not the other way around.
In summary, choice A is correct as it directly addresses the primary issue of heart failure, while the other choices focus on different physiological processes not directly related to heart failure.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Increased protein leading to reduced oncotic pressure is not a direct cause of heart failure.
C: This choice describes the forces involved in fluid movement, not the primary mechanism of heart failure.
D: Heart failure causes a backup of blood, which in turn increases venous pressure, not the other way around.
In summary, choice A is correct as it directly addresses the primary issue of heart failure, while the other choices focus on different physiological processes not directly related to heart failure.