Question

Which finding would support the diagnosis of heart failure (HF)?

1. RA/CVP of 8 mm Hg
2. PAWP of 20 mm Hg
3. Cardiac index of 3
4. Peripheral vasodilation reflected by normalizing capillary refill times

Answer 1

The finding that would support the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is a PAWP (pulmonary artery wedge pressure) of 20 mm Hg. Other mentioned findings are not specific to heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that would support the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is a PAWP (pulmonary artery wedge pressure) of 20 mm Hg. PAWP is a measurement of the pressure in the left atrium of the heart and is commonly used to assess fluid status and measure the severity of heart failure. In heart failure, the buildup of fluid in the lungs increases the PAWP, indicating the impaired ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. Other findings mentioned in the options are not specific to heart failure: 1. RA/CVP (right atrial/central venous pressure) of 8 mm Hg is within the normal range, 3. cardiac index of 3 is within the normal range and represents good cardiac function, and 4. peripheral vasodilation and normalizing capillary refill times are not specific to heart failure.