Final answer:
In left-sided heart failure, a nurse would expect to see cool extremities due to poor circulation and signs of pulmonary edema, which include difficulty breathing and potential chest pain. Weight gain may occur as well, but an enlarged liver and distended abdomen are more indicative of right-sided heart failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client for manifestations of left-sided heart failure, the nurse should expect to find cool extremities due to poor circulation as a result of the heart's reduced ability to pump blood effectively. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary edema, which is characterized by excess fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and potential chest pain. Weight gain may be observed, but it is a less specific symptom that may be associated with either side of heart failure due to overall fluid retention. An enlarged liver and distended abdomen are more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, which leads to a backup of blood into the systemic circulation, causing manifestations such as ascites and hepatomegaly. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing from pulmonary edema are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.