Question

A nurse is discussing heart failure with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student reflects an understanding of how compensatory mechanisms can compound existing problems in patients with heart failure?

a. "An increase in arteriolar tone to improve tissue perfusion can decrease resistance."
b. "An increase in contractility to increase cardiac output can cause pulmonary edema."
c. "When the heart rate increases to increase cardiac output, it can prevent adequate filling of the ventricles."
d. "When venous tone increases to increase ventricular filling, an increase in arterial pressure occurs."

Answer 1

The statement that reflects an understanding of how compensatory mechanisms can compound existing problems in patients with heart failure is option b, which states that an increase in contractility to increase cardiac output can cause pulmonary edema.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student's statement that reflects an understanding of how compensatory mechanisms can compound existing problems in patients with heart failure is option b. 'An increase in contractility to increase cardiac output can cause pulmonary edema.'

This statement correctly identifies that an increase in contractility, which aims to increase cardiac output, can actually lead to pulmonary edema. This occurs because when the heart contracts more forcefully, it can push fluid into the lungs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.

It is important to balance the compensatory mechanisms in heart failure patients to avoid further complications.