Final answer:
Signs like orthopnea, peripheral edema, and pulmonary crackles indicate decreased cardiac output and potential fluid overload in heart failure patients. These symptoms are due to left ventricular dysfunction leading to blood back-up and fluid accumulation in tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early findings that would indicate decreased cardiac output and a potential for fluid overload from heart failure include orthopnea, peripheral edema, and crackles in the lungs. Orthopnea is difficulty in breathing when lying flat, which is relieved by sitting up or standing. Peripheral edema refers to the swelling of tissues, typically in the lower limbs, due to the accumulation of fluid. Crackles are abnormal lung sounds that indicate fluid in the air sacs and often occur due to pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is a key sign of fluid back-up caused by the left ventricle's inability to pump sufficient blood, leading to increased pressure in pulmonary capillaries and resulting in fluid leakage into lung tissues. These symptoms suggest that the heart is not functioning effectively, causing blood to “back up” in the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to fluid accumulation.