Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure. Which assessment findings indicate the patient is currently experiencing class 2 heart failure? Select all that apply.

1. Fatigue with physical activity
2. Palpitations with physical activity
3. No symptoms with physical activity
4. Dyspnea with physical activity
5. Angina at rest

Answer 1

Class 2 heart failure is indicated by symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, and dyspnea that occur with physical activity. These symptoms result from the heart's reduced ability to pump enough blood to meet the body's oxygen demands during activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assessing a patient with heart failure should be aware that class 2 heart failure is characterized by mild symptoms that occur with ordinary physical activity. The assessment findings that indicate the patient is experiencing class 2 heart failure include:

• Fatigue with physical activity
• Palpitations with physical activity
• Dyspnea with physical activity

These symptoms occur because the heart cannot pump a sufficient volume of blood due to impaired contraction of cardiac muscle cells, resulting in inadequate oxygenation of tissues. Patients with class 2 heart failure can be comfortable at rest, but physical activity will provoke symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and palpitations.