American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Signs of right-sided heart failure are typically associated with which area of the body?

1. Lungs

2. Heart

3. Abdomen

4. Ankles

The correct answer is: Ankles

Signs of right-sided heart failure are primarily associated with fluid congestion and the resultant physiological changes that occur when the right side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood. When this happens, blood backs up into the systemic circulation, leading to various symptoms throughout the body. One of the most common manifestations of right-sided heart failure includes peripheral edema, which often presents as swelling in the lower extremities, particularly the ankles and legs. This occurs because the increased pressure in the venous system causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. While there may be signs of right-sided heart failure impacting other areas, such as the abdomen (due to conditions like ascites), and some systemic effects may occur, the classic swelling observed in the ankles is a direct and characteristic sign often used in clinical assessments to identify right-sided heart failure. This makes the ankles a standout location for observable signs of this condition.