Which sign is not typical of right-sided heart failure?

Which sign is not typical of right-sided heart failure?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Ascites
• C. Hepatomegaly
• D. Pulmonary crackles

Answer: (D)

Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion, leading to signs like peripheral edema, ascites, and hepatomegaly as fluid backs up into the body's venous circulation. Pulmonary crackles, on the other hand, come from fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which results from left-sided heart failure or a failure of the left ventricle to pump effectively. Therefore, pulmonary crackles are not typical of isolated right-sided heart failure. If crackles are present, it suggests concurrent left-sided involvement or overall heart failure with both sides affected.

Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion, leading to signs like peripheral edema, ascites, and hepatomegaly as fluid backs up into the body's venous circulation. Pulmonary crackles, on the other hand, come from fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which results from left-sided heart failure or a failure of the left ventricle to pump effectively. Therefore, pulmonary crackles are not typical of isolated right-sided heart failure. If crackles are present, it suggests concurrent left-sided involvement or overall heart failure with both sides affected.