A client with left ventricular failure is assessed. Which finding would be consistent with this diagnosis?

• A. Wheezing during expiration
• B. Frequent productive cough
• C. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
• D. Periportal edema in liver

Answer: (A)

Left ventricular failure raises pressure in the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema and airway irritation. This can cause an expiratory wheeze, sometimes described as cardiac asthma, because the bronchial edema and small-airway obstruction that result from pulmonary congestion produce wheezing on expiration. So this finding fits LV failure best. In contrast, a frequent productive cough points more toward bronchitis or infection, hyperactive reflexes aren’t linked to heart failure, and periportal edema in the liver reflects right-sided congestion (or advanced biventricular failure) rather than the left-sided process.