Final answer:
Left-sided heart failure is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, and fluid retention. The chief complaint is difficulty breathing or dyspnea.
Step-by-step explanation:
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left side of the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. The patient will present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, and fluid retention in the lungs and legs.
Chief Complaint:
The chief complaint of a patient with left-sided heart failure is often difficulty breathing, also known as dyspnea. This can occur during physical activity or even at rest. The patient may also complain of fatigue and swelling in the legs.